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1247297
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
EN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
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CHARLES F. WHITMAN
A HISTORY
OF
NORWAY, MAINE
FROM
THE EARLIEST SETTLEMENTS TO THE CLOSE
OF THE YEAR 1922
BY
CHARLES F. WHITMAN
NORWAY, MAINE
1924
Copyrighted 1924
by
Lewiaton Journal Company
it -a
Lewiston Journal Printshop and Bindery
Lewiston, Maine
1247297
PREFACE
ll
After the Buckfield, Me. History was written, in which the author
of this work had so large a part, it was determined to get out a
history of Norway, where he had lived for nearly fifty years, cor¬
recting and enlarging the narrative of events, and bringing it down
to the present year. It was thought best to leave out of its pages
much undesirable matter, usually seen in town histories, which have
very little or no interest for the general reader of later times, and
to produce such a work as should be considered standard authority
for future reference.
Investigation of ancient records and authorities had ishown serious
errors relating to the early settlement of the town, as the story has
come down to us. The founders of the town have been called squat¬
ters — a term of reproach. This is a great wrong and the story as
given in these pages will clear their memory from this stigma.
It is considered a matter of much importance at this period to be
able to trace one’s ancestry to the Revolutionary Patriots and the
Pilgrim Fathers and Mothers. Of the former, Mr. Noyes’ History
mentions only thirteen who settled in Norway. The Centennial His¬
tory gives the names of twenty-five. This history has the names of
sixty-four — over half of whom died and were buried in Norway.
No town history is of much account, unless it has a good gen¬
ealogical i-ecord of families. This part of the work will be found
quite extensive. Many of the family lines are traced from the im¬
migrant ancestor, and a few from ancestors more remote.
Much satisfaction is felt in the up-to-date index, where the prin¬
cipal events and mention of persons of note are catalogued in such
a manner that the thing sought can be easily and quickly found.
C. F. Whitman.
Norway, February 6, 1923.
—
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I.
Descriptive
Location — Tracts — Waters — Soil and Scenery.
CHAPTER II.
Perspective
Conditions after War of Independence — Law relating to settlements on
public lands — Settlers not squatters.
CHAPTER III.
Rust Tract Purchased and Lots Selected
James Stinchfield comes with hunting parties. Intends to buy tract
for settlement. Gives it over to Capt. Henry Rust— Lots selected. Sketches
of earliest settlers.
CHAPTER IV.
Coming of First Settlers’ Families
The precise time (1787) of coming fixed- — Joseph Stevens builds first
house and first family to come — Other settlers.
CHAPTER V.
Pioneer Period of Rustfield
Families of William and John Parsons and others come — Nathaniel
Stevens injured, his neighbors assist his family — Two of settlers lose cows
The mills built — First deaths — Tract run out and lotted.
CHAPTER VI.
Later Pioneer Period of Rustfield
Heads of families, 1790— First school— First marriage— Daniel ' Cary
drowned — First county road.
CHAPTER VII.
Pioneer Period. Cummings Tract
First settlers— Two noted wood choppers— Fuller’s Corner and Center
Norway.
CHAPTER VIII.
Pioneer Period. Lee’s Grant
First settlers, tenant farmers— Jacob Tubbs buys lot of Francis Light-
foot Lee— First town road— Edward Little buys the tract, changes tenants
to owners — Stories of Capt. Josiah Bartlett and Joshua Pool.
6
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER IX.
Pioneer Period. Waterford Three Tiers
Controversy over location of church and town house, gave them to Noi-
way_public lots— First settlers— The Chapel.
CHAPTER X.
Pioneer Period. Phillips Gore
Origin of name. — Barney Sawyer First settlers.
• • CHAPTER XI.
Pioneer Life
Short pioneer period-No failure of crops till 1816-Little suffering and
few calamities— Moral worth of the settlers.
CHAPTER XII.
Naming the Town
Captain Rust made no effort to have the town named for him— Petitioners
for incorporation asked to have it called “Norage, which suggested name
of Norway. Two versions of its meaning.
CHAPTER XIII.
Annals from 1796 to 1826
First town meeting — Occurrences of note — A year without a summer—
“Great Fire,” 1816 — 1817, great crops raised — Maine admitted as a state
Phillips Gore annexed.
CHAPTER XIV.
Early Norway Village
Post office established, William Reed appointed postmaster-
church and school house built— Pen picture of the village m 1804.
-Univ.
CHAPTER XV.
Revolutionary Soldiers
Over 60 Rev. Soldiers settled in Norway, three were at Bunker Hill-
Stories of Phinehas Whitney, Amos Upton, and Lemuel Shedd, etc.
CHAPTER XVI.
War of 1812-15.
A Norway company marches to Burlington, Vt. Several die Two com¬
panies march to Portland.
CHAPTER XVII.
The Aroostook War
This “war” a great burlesque — Scene at Gurney school-house Capt.
A. F. Noyes marches his company to Augusta in winter.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Norway in the Rebellion
Sentiment of citizens overwhelming for crushing the Rebellion— First
company in the county raised in Norway-Seven companies organized in
town— The draft— Summary of men furnished— Roll of the Dead.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
7
CHAPTER XIX.
The Spanish War
Norway company stationed at Chickamauga, Ga. — Capt. Frank T.
Bartlett died — Company roll.
CHAPTER XX.
Norway Village in 1825
Pen picture of the place by S. S. Smith, born in 1819.
CHAPTER XXI.
Churches and Ministers
Univ. society organized in 1799 — Rev. Thos. Barnes, 1st pastor, church
built in 1801 — Congregational Society at Norway Center formed, church
built there in 1808— A remarkable dream of Preacher Stoddard— Rev. Noah
Cressey — Other Societies and preachers.
CHAPTER XXII.
Educational History
Susan (Burns) Everett, taught first woman’s school — Job Eastman
first male teacher— First schoolhouse built in 1794— Rev. Noah Cressey’s
work for education — Norway Liberal Institute — Notable teachers.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Annals, 1826-1875
Asa Barton began publication of the Oxford Observer— Town house
built near Norway Center in 1838 — Washingtonian movement started here
1845 — Notable town meeting, 1847 — War time measures — Shoe business
established — Other events.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Annexation of Tract from Paris
How the contest started and its final result — Norway Pine Grove cemetery
now in Paris — An amusing incident of the controversy.
CHAPTER XXV.
The Race for the Railroad
Portland and Boston contend for the N. E. terminus of the Canadian
R.R.-G. G. Waterhouse, A. A. Latham and Orin Hobbs, organize a victory
for Portland — Story of the race.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Norway Hamlets
Norway Center— Fuller’s Corner— The Chapel— Noble’s Corner— Norway
Lake.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Fraternal Societies
Free Masons— Odd Fellows— Knights of Pythias— The Grangers— The
G. A. R. — The Loyal Legion.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Reform Movements
Washingtonian movement — Sons of Temperance — Good Templars—
Reform Club— State and National Prohibition.
8
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XXIX.
Norway Village in 1858
Pen picture by Jeff C. Gallison — Interesting and notable persons.
CHAPTER XXX.
Inns and Innkeepers
Joseph Stevens, first keeper of public house — Joshua Smith, first of note
in village — The “Twelve Apostles” and the Elm House — Otis True, William
W. Whitmarsh and John A. Woodman, popular landlords.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Postal Matters
First P. O. established in 1801, William Reed appointed P.M. and held
office for 40 years — Post riders — Post offices in the hamlets — Postmasters.
CHAPTER XXXII.
Annals, 1876-1900
Important events related — Branch railroad built — Fred W. Sanborn
buys the Advertiser plant — Municipal Court established — Centennial cel¬
ebration held — Electric railroad built — Italian labor war.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Notable Men
Capt. Henry Rust — Jonathan Cummings — Edward Little — Benj. Fuller —
Ezra F. Beal — Adna C. Denison — David Noyes — Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. —
Lawrence M. Carroll and others.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Norway Lawyers
Luther Farrar — Levi Whitman — William Wirt Virgin — A. S. Kimball
and others.
CHAPTER XXXV.
Norway Physicians
Morris Shannon — Moses Ayer — John S. French — Asa Danforth — Calvin
E. Evans — O. N. Bradbury and others.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Norway Newspaper Men
Asa Barton— Cyrus W. Brown— Chas. F. Brown, “printer’s devil”—
Mark H. Dunnell— Col. George W. Millett— Simeon Drake— J. A. Seitz—
Fred W. Sanborn.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Norway in 1865
Pen pictures of the leading men of the town— Amusing story of Eben C.
Shackley— People in school district No. 8 by the author.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Savings Bank Robbery of 1867
Story of the robbery — Arrest and conviction of Dr. Young. — Papers and
part of stolen property recovered — Langdon Moore’s narrative.
HTSTORY OF NORWAY
9
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Norway Authors
Dr. C. A. Stephens — Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. — Hugh Pendexter — Don C.
Seitz — Lavinia Barton Smith — Alma Pendexter Hayden.
CHAPTER XL.
Annals 1901-1922
Two free rural delivery postal routes established — Board of Trade organized
— Sewer system established — New Grange Hall on Whitman Street built—
Brown tail moths appeared — New post office building erected on site of the
old Elm House — Other events.
CHAPTER XLI.
The Great World War
Causes of the great conflict — Our country enters the struggle in 1917 —
Ends in Nov. 1918 — Germany beaten — Austria dismembered — Poland gains
its freedom — Situation of Europe at close of the struggle — Norway boys
who went to the war — Sketches of those who died.
CHAPTER XLII.
Industries and Business Men
The two shoe manufacturing establishments — The Cummings lumber
business — Snow-shoe business — Novelty company at Steep Falls — The Banks
— Dry goods stores — The grocers — Auto dealers — Drug stores — Beal’s Inn — •
Restaurants — Public halls — Railroad station — Telegraph and telephone
offices — Artists’ studios — Schools and churches — Norway as formerly a great
center for trade, and a desirable place in which to live.
PART II
Diary of Rev. T. J. Tenney.
PART III
The Battle of Bunker Hill — Criticism of Sir William Howe’s campaigns
in America — Captured by Indians.
PART IV
Genealogies of Families — Coats of Arms.
PART V
Statistical — Deaths, 1789-1819 — Town officers — County officers — State
officers — Representatives and Senators — Militia officers — Census of 1790 —
Census of 1800 — Direct tax payers, 1816 — Census of 1850 by families —
Immigrants — Index.
ILLUSTRATIONS
The Author, Frontispiece
Akers, Effie I .
Vivian M .
Andrews, Eben C .
Albert F .
David S .
Silas D .
Lt. Geo. F .
Charles .
Eugene E .
Herbert F .
Lt. Francis S .
Henrv H . .
Nellie L .
Lillian .
Angell, Rev. Caroline E.
Bartlett, Dr. H. L .
Frances E .
Capt. Frank T. ..
Barton, Asa .
Beal, Gen. Geo. L .
Beals Inn .
Beck, Frank H .
Bickford, Robert F . .
Bicknell, Hazel F .
Bisibee, Mildred .
Blake, Capt. Jona .
Elizabeth S .
Ohas. G .
Bolster, John A .
Bradbury, Dr. 0. N .
Dr. B. F .
Louise .
Brett, Georgia .
Brooks, Louis J .
Geo. A .
Dr. M. F .
Brown, Chas. F .
H. Walter .
Alvin .
Fred S .
Elon L .
Buck, Albion L .
Burnham, Lt. S. H .
Carroll, Lawrence M. ...
Carter, Leonard A .
Lucy E .
Geo. W .
.. Page
... 186
... 297
... 343
... 343
... 343
... 343
... 343
... 343
... 301
... 290
... 284
... 217
... 142
... 138
... 122
... 229
... 284
... 138
... 235
... 98
... 182
... 295
... 307
... 293
... 140
98, 360
.... 360
.... 287
.... 361
.... 230
.... 229
.... 140
.... 138
.... 303
.... 366
.... 366
.... 242
.... 287
... 310
.... 293
.... 295
.... 293
.... 102
.... 288
.... 373
.... 373
.... 373
V
HISTORY OF NORWAY 11
Churches, Univ . 122
Cen. Gong’l . : . 126
Vill. Cong’l . 128
Clement, R. E . , . . . 375
Cobb, Sylvanus Jr . 102, 243
Cole, Geo. A . 377
Conery, Capt. W. G . 307
Cotton. Rev. E. S . 130
Cook, Almon L . 304
Cragin, Dr. C. L . 380
Crooker, James 0 . 384
Cummings, Dr. Stephen . 45
Jona’s House . 45
Chas. S . 289
Stephen B . 289
Geo. 1 . 289
Edwin S . 289
Fred H . 289
Cora B . 138, 144
O. M . 304
Daniel . 390
Lydia . , . . . 390
Curtis, Geo. L . 291
Alton L . 306
Cushman, L. H . 301
Danforth, Dr. Asa . 394
Abigail C . 394
Frank A . 394
S. Adnah . 394
Chas. H . 394
Davis, Fred M . 304
Decoster, Virginia . 142
Frank E . 186
Denison, Lucius . . 390
Arthur E . 217
Adna C . 208
Descoteau, E. E . 186
Dinsmore, Ansel . 400
Judith C . 400
Mary A . . . 400
Nellie C . . . 144
Jessie L . 144
Drake, Dr. Fred E . 297
Howard L . 309
Eastman, Ray H . 298
Evans, Dr. Calvin E . 229
Dr. Warren R . 217
Geo. F . 217
Foster, Henry B . 287
Dr. Winnie . 138
French, John A . 251
12 HISTORY OF NORWAY
Wm. P . 414
Emeline A . 414
Arthur F . 414
Augusta H . 414
Eugene 0 . 414
Wm. A . 414
Frost, Chas. A . 304
Fuller, Robert . 138
Gardner, Gertrude . 144
Gibson, Geo. E . 425
Mary E . 425
J. Frank . 425
Fred H . 425
George R . 425
Harry E . . 425
William H . 425
Guy R . 425
Goodwin, Stuart W . 301
Greenlaw, N. U . 303
Hathaway, Geo. F . 310
Haxby, Nellie C . 144
Hayden, Alma P . 243
Clara A . . 432
Samuel H . 432
Arthur P . 432
Hill, Geo. F . 295
Hills, Vivian W . 302
Hobbs, Capt. W . 102
Capt. I. F . 102
Albert L . 442
Holden, Grace . 140
Mae . 140
Holmes, Geo. W . 444
Hooper, Rev. W. W . 122
Horne, Geo. W . 445
Hosmer, Paul F . 186
Howe, Dr. Jesse . 447
Rebecca G . 447
Freeland Jr . 138
Jackson, E. B . 303
Jones, Judge W. F . 224
Otis N . . . . 449
Kate H . 449
Judkins, John P . 186
Kaemmeriing, Adm’l G . 214
S. Maude . 214
Killgore, Emerson . . . 452
Willis H . . . 295
Kimball, A. S . 220
Knight, Frank P . 434
Annie F . .‘ . 434
HISTORY OF NORWAY 13
George P . 434
Roland H . 434 .
Samuel . 434
Frank P. Jr . 434
Helen H . 434
Mary A . 434
Laferriere, Annie B . 144
Lapharn, Dr. Wm. B . 209
Lasselle, Elizabeth 0 . 144
Lee, Arthur . 50
Lewis, Wm. A . 186
Longley, Leon L . 295
Eli . 459
Mary W . 459
Lord, Colman F . 460
Mclntire, Hon. B. M . 290
Hon. L. E . 464
Farm Scene . 464
Merchant, Zeb. L . - 293
Marguerite A . 293
Miller, Rev. C. G . 122
Millett, Capt. H. R . 98
Sol. 1 . 251
Dea. N. W . 254
Nathaniel . 471
Fred E . 471
Coat of Arms . 471
Morse, Edwin A . 254
Needham, Lt. S. H . 475
Wm. 0 . 475
Nevers, Dr. Harry . 140, 476
Alonzo J . 476
Newcomb, L. G . 309
Noble, F. Marion . 478
Fred H . 478
Christine B . 478
Norway Village . 249
Noyes, Capt. Amos F . 94
David . 209
Frank H . 291
Oxnard, Horace C . 482
Packard, Lulu . 140
Parker, Anne . 142
Parrin, A. . . 304
Parsons, Moses . 254
Penley, Joseph . ••• 487
Edw. W . 496
Perry, Fred H . 186
Pendexter, Hugh . 243
Helen M . 243
Pike, Dennis . 301
Stella M . 489
14
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Seth . 489
Nathaniel . 489
Homestead . 48S
Redden, Rev. Fr. J. E . 135
Reed, Elizabeth Cobb . .’ . 494
Richardson, C. A . 303
Robbins, Arthur H . . . . . . 810
Rounds, Alice . 140
Agnes . 140
Rural Scenes . . . 13, <53
Rust, Gen. Harry . 98
Henry . 208
Rustfield, Map of . 29
Ryerson, Chas. W . 251
Sampson, M. W . 806
Savings Bank . 294
Shedd, Cora Belle . 138, 144
Smith, S. S . 113
H. D . 290
Fred E . 290
Lee M . 301
Eugene F . 225
Lavinia B . 243
Spanish War Co . 110
Staples, Dr. Ivan . . . 229
Stearns, Col. A. J . 223
Stephens, Dr. C. A . 240
Minne Scalar . 240
Laboratory . 240
Stevens, Simon . . . . . 254
Stiles, Oapt. M. P . 274
Stone, Phil. F . 186
Frank P . 297
Sergt. W. H . 284
Street Scenes . . . * . 182, 259
Stuart, Inez M . 142
Swan, Helen S . 142
iSwett, E. N . 297
•Taylor, Miss H. M . 293
Tenney, Rev. T. J . . . 311
Izah B. P . 311
Rev. C. R., D.D . :.... 311
Thompson, Dr. A . . . 214
Mary E . ......... . . . 214
Frank E . 214
Towne, Albert A . 307
Trafton, Mabel . 138
True, Frank T . . . ..1 . 521
Anna C . 52l
Otis . 180
Tubbs, Chas. N . 290
HISTORY OF NORWAY
15
James N. . . 303
W. F . 287
Upton, Uriah . . 251
Virgin, Gen. Wm. W . 102
Ward, Art-emus . 242
Warren, Ambrose . 140
Wentworth, Rev. B. C . 132
Whitman, Levi . 220
Charles F . 209
Mary A . 400
Verne M . 138, 217
Victor M . 140
Jessie L . 144
Ozias . 137
Izah T . 137
Whitmarsh, Col. W. W . 93, 533
Martha . . 533
Wingate, Annie B . 144
Woodman, John A . 130
Wyman, John . 537
Young, Howard B . 306
Annie . ‘133
NORWAY SCENE) LAKE VILLAGE ACROSS THE WATER
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER I.
Descriptive.
The town of Norway is situated in the southern part of Oxford
County, bordering on the County of Cumberland, and is drained by
the Little Androscoggin and Crooked Rivers and their tributaries.
Greenwood and Albany bound it on the north; Paris on the east;
Oxford and Otisfield on the south; and Waterford and Harrison on
the west. The whole boundary line of many courses, is about thirty
miles in length. Four different tracts of land were taken at its in¬
corporation to form the town. These were: Rustfield of rising six
thousand acres exclusive of water surface; Lee’s Grant of substan¬
tially the same land surface; the Cummings Tract of three thou¬
sand, five hundred and sixty acres; and the Waterford three tiers
of lots of seven thousand two hundred acres. Phillips Gore of some
fifteen hundred acres, was annexed by act of the Legislature in 1821,
and a part of three lots of from one hundred to one hundred and
fifty acres from Paris in 1859-61. The water surface of the lake and
largest pond is about fifteen hundred acres, — a total area of some
twenty-five thousand acres. The Lee’s Grant is situated in the
northeastern part of the town; the Rust Tract south of it; the tract
obtained from Waterford in the western portion; the Cummings
Purchase is between it and the Lee’s Grant, while the Phillips Gore
constitutes the southwestern part of Norway.
The town has one large body of water, the Pennesseewassee Lake,
or as it was called in the early days the “Great Pond,” located in the
original tracts of Rustfield and Lee’s Grant. It is some five miles
long with an average width of about half a mile. There are three
sizable ponds; the Little Pennesseewassee or Hobbs’ Pond on the Cum¬
mings Tract near the center of the town; Sand Pond on the Water¬
ford Three Tiers, and North Pond on the Lee’s Grant. There are
several smaller ponds in different sections besides numerous springs
and streams.
A ridge of high land running north and south through practically
the center of the town separates the streams flowing into the Little
Androscoggin River from those running into the Crooked River.
The soil is generally good and under proper cultivation very pro¬
ductive. There are some very fine farms, among which may be
mentioned the Jackson farm on the Lee’s Grant, the Wyman farm
on the Cummings Purchase at Norway Center and the Tucker farm
on the Rust Tract near Norway Lake village.
20
HISTORY OF NORWAY
The forest growth of Norway is of a mixed character of hard and
soft woods common to this climate. The most valuable are the white
pine, spruce, hemlock, white birch, rock maple and oak.
The surface of Norway is hilly and uneven. The highest eleva¬
tion, according to the U. S. Government survey, is Merrill Hill in the
northwestern part of the town on the Waterford Three Tiers. It is
1243 feet above sea level. Two other knobs — portions of the same
elevation, are 1100 and 1176 feet, respectively. Jim Hill, farther
south on the Cummings Purchase, raises its bald head 980 feet to¬
wards the skies. A short distance from this hill towards the north¬
east on the same tract is Holt Hill of 1005 feet elevation. Frost Hill
on the Phillips Gore in the southwestern section is 970 feet high,
while Pike’s Hill on the Rust Tract near the village is the smallest
of these hills, being only 870 feet above sea level. The views from
them all, particularly that from Jim Hill and the last two men-
tioned, where there is a range of the whole horizon, are scarcely ex¬
celled anywhere in the County of Oxford, which is the most beautiful
part of Maine.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
21
CHAPTER II.
Perspective.
For several years, after the close of the War for American Inde¬
pendence, the tract of country now called Norway, with its enterpris¬
ing and public-spirited citizens, was an unbroken wilderness. The
Fall of Quebec in 1759, following Gen. James Wolfe’s great victory
over the French commander, Gen. Louis Joseph Montcalm, on the
Plains of Abraham, and the subsequent transfer of Canada to Great
Britain, had ended for all time the fear of further savage depreda¬
tions upon the settlements in the English colonies of North America,
and tribes and bands, which had been hostile hitherto, scattered and
found places of encampment elsewhere.
The Pennesseewassees who had taken the name of their tribe,
from the region (now called Norway Center), “where the fruitful
land slopes down to the shining water,” had long before the coming
of the white men, forsaken the haunts they once loved so well. Per¬
haps a pestilence had swept them away, or it may be, that Capt.
John Lovewell’s death grapple with the Pequakets, in what is now
the town of Fryeburg, by which the tribe was almost destroyed, had
caused them to emigrate.
The most probable reason for their disappearance, however, is
that the downfall of the French authority in Canada, with the con¬
stant incoming of English settlers had caused them to go elsewhere.
But whatever the reason, they had disappeared never to return, long
before any settlers had come into the region.
Though the surrender of Gen. Lord Charles Cornwallis and his
British forces at Yorktown, Va., in October, 1781, to Gen. George
Washington was generally regarded as virtually ending the Revolu¬
tionary War, there was a short period following, of suspense and
doubt as to what King George and Parliament might do, but all un¬
certainty was finally dispelled when the House of Commons, in March
the next year, by a decisive vote, passed a resolve that it would “con¬
sider as enemies of His Majesty and the country, all those who should
advise, or attempt, the further prosecution of offensive war, on the
continent of North America.” And commissioners were soon there¬
after appointed, to negotiate a peace and acknowledge the Inde¬
pendence of the United States. Such a peace was signed at Paris,
Sept. 3, 1783, and thereafter, the British forces were withdrawn from
the country.
Our National Independence had cost the loss of some 50,000 men
and a debt of about $45,000,000. Massachusetts, to which Maine then
belonged, whose rank was 4th in population in 1790, when the first
U. S. census was taken, furnished about 68,000 men — more than three
times what Virginia, the largest colony, had in the conflict, and it
incurred a debt of its own of about $5,000,000. Its loss in men was
between eight and nine thousand. Maine must have had 6500 men
or more in service and its loss was fully one thousand. But for
Massachusetts there would have been no War of the Revolution, or
any Independence of the 13 English Colonies.
22
HISTORY OF NORWAY
The old Continentals, returning from their service in the army,
having been paid off in almost worthless currency, found themselves
in very poor circumstances. Many had families to support and thou¬
sands looked with longing eyes to the public lands of the District of
Maine, of which it was estimated that some twenty millions of acres
were suitable for cultivation and the production of crops. And the
General Court of Massachusetts to encourage settlements upon them
passed an act in 1783, to sell to every settler, on any of the large
rivers and navigable waters, a tract of as much, if desired, as 150
acres, at one dollar per acre, or give him 100 acres elsewhere, on con¬
dition, that in four years, he put sixteen acres under cultivation and
built a habitation upon the land. This law was soon changed, but
while it lasted, it was productive of great good. Men who had settled
on public lands back in the interior and were in possession of their
lots January 1, 1784, as well as others who took advantage of this act
obtained their holdings free. There must have been several thou¬
sands of such settlers in Maine. There were 47 in Bucktown, now
Buckfield. No land act was ever more beneficial to the people, and
one can but feel that the law should have been extended for a longer
period, and the public lands kept out of the hands of speculators.
Where townships were afterwards sold by the Commonwealth in
which persons were holding under the law of 1783, the grants or con¬
veyances to the purchasers, excepted and reserved to each settler his
100 acres of land, to be run out in the best way to include his im¬
provements. But long after this law was repealed the State en¬
couraged settlements on its public lands and passed acts “quieting”
settlers in their holdings on favorable terms. Owners of townships
and tracts suitable for settlement, encouraged pioneers to settle upon
them, for without such hardy occupants, the right to retain possession
of the lands, would lapse, since there was a proviso in every sale of
a township, that a certain number of families should be settled upon
it within a certain given period. But though no such condition was
imposed upon grantees and purchasers of tracts not large enough
for townships, they had to pay a greater price per acre, and without
settlers, their holdings would be of little benefit to them. It was the
policy of the Commonwealth to procure the settlement of the public
lands, and it adopted several ways to accomplish its purpose.
At a later period when the southern and western portions of the
District of Maine had acquired a large immigrant population, specu¬
lators obtained lands to hold for high prices, and some dealt harshly
with those who had settled upon them and made improvements, and
to such an extent was this abuse carried, that a remedy was sought.
William King in 1807, then a senator in the Massachusetts Legisla¬
ture, afterwards the first Governor of Maine, devised what was called
the “Betterment Act,” which was passed by the General Court and
received the Governor’s signature in March, 1808. The Republicans
had beaten the Federalists and elected a Governor and Legislature,
or this law never could have been passed. The majority in Maine,
had given the Republicans their victory. The law provided where
one had been in possession and occupancy of land for a certain period,
and brought it from a state of nature to one of cultivation, with
habitation and outbuildings, that the owner of the land should pay
HISTORY OF NORWAY
23
for the improvements made, before he could drive the settler away,
or be compelled to take a fair value for the land as it was prior to
its occupancy. A jury in a suit brought by the owner against the
settler, for possession of the premises was to determine these values.
This law was strenuously opposed by the large landholders and
speculators, and they asserted that the courts would declare the act
unconstitutional, if any suit came to final decision, but if no such
suit was brought or decision made, the law would be repealed when
the Federalists came again into power. A suit involving the consti¬
tutionality of the law did go to the full court, which decided that the
act was constitutional, and though the Federalists afterwards came
into power, the law was never repealed — too many cases of high¬
handed abuses had come to light and the law being very popular,
among the masses, it was deemed prudent for political reasons to let
it remain on the statute books.
Its beneficial effects were beyond all calculation, and did very
much to alleviate great wrong and injustice.
The disreputable name of “squatters” has often been applied to
the early settlers. This is very unjust, for there could be no trespass
or wrongful occupancy, where persons were induced or encouraged
to settle and make improvements upon lands, to which it was expected,
by the parties in interest, that they would subsequently acquire title.
Mere squatters and trespassers, are not the kind of men who lay the
foundation of communities, towns and commonwealths. The Ste¬
venses, the Hobbses, the Parsonses, the Pikes, the Bennetts, Benjamin
Herring, Benjamin Witt, George Lessley and Samuel Ames, were not
of that class. All of them before coming here, stood well and were
respected in the places where they lived. Capt. Henry Rust depended
upon them and such men as they were, to do their part in building up
his plantation and the future town to follow it. Several of them
were related to him, and he knew before their coming, their capacity
and worth. That they came, by his request and inducement, clearly
appears. How well he calculated and how well the earliest settlers per¬
formed their part towards establishing communities which developed
into a prosperous town, the future pages of this work will show.
This history at least will do them substantial justice, for besides
living lives above reproach, they founded a little commonwealth,
which for over an hundred years, has had the reputation at home and
abroad of being one of the most enterprising and thrifty towns
in Maine.
24
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER III.
Rust Tract Purchased
and
First Lots for Settlement Selected.
From very early times, hunting parties from Massachusetts and
New Hampshire were accustomed to come into the region drained
by the Little Androscoggin River and its tributaries for the fur¬
bearing animals in which it abounded. For many years after the
fall of Quebec in 1759 when the fear of Indian attacks had virtually
ceased, this section of Maine continued to draw numerous hunting
parties to it.
Tradition states that such parties from New Gloucester and Gray
after The close of the Revolutionary War, were accustomed to come
into the region now comprising the town of Norway. Their leader
was James Stinchfield of New Gloucester, a noted man of that town
and “a mighty hunter who understood woodcraft and the Indian
method of warfare.”
He had moved into the township of New Gloucester with his
father’s family in 1753, and assisted in building the block-house there
the following year. In May, 1755, on learning that Capt. Jonathan
Snow had been killed by the Indians near the falls which later bore
his name, in what is now the town of Paris, he, then a young man
full of energy and daring, raised a party of hunters and went to the
place where Captain Snow was killed and buried his remains which
had been horribly mutilated by the savages. Stinchfield became
during many hunting excursions, thoroughly acquainted with every
part of this section and acquired such a reputation as a great hunter
that it has survived the lapse of time.
At the period following the close of the War of the Revolution, the
splendid growth of the maple and other hard wood trees, with the
occasional tracts of large pine and other black growth, which ran
up straight for many feet without limbs or underbrush, gave unmis¬
takable evidence that this particular section had a very fertile soil
and was eminently fit for settlement.
From the evidence obtained it is clear that James Stinchfield had
determined to buy the tract, afterwards called Rustfield, and settle the
families of the Stevens brothers, the Hobbses and others upon it,
and some measures were taken by him towards that end. From tra¬
dition we learn of his leading parties hither for the double purpose
of hunting and spying out the land for settlement. And we find it
afterward called even in public documents, “Stinchfield’s Grant” or
‘‘Rust’s or Stinchfield’s Grant.” Just why he didn’t carry out his
original purpose to purchase and settle it, is not clear at this day,
but that he gave it up to Capt. Henry Rust is very certain. The
tract was not large enough taken alone for a township and there were
no other lands to be obtained except what Jonathan Cummings after¬
wards purchased, then supposed in part at least to belong to it. But
HISTORY OF NORWAY
25
even with this added, it was not large enough for a township. Town¬
ships to purchasers were granted on more favorable terms than small
tracts. But whatever the cause, James Stinchfield changed his pur¬
pose and Captain Rust bought it, and at once did everything possible
to settle the tract and develop it, and for this purpose made use of
Stinchfield and the men he had already succeeded in interesting in his
project. Probably for some time after, Stinchfield acted as his agent
which may account for his name being connected with the tract. The
author of this history wrote to the Secretary of State at Boston in
June, 1906, to ascertain whether there had been any grant of land in
this region to James Stinchfield and received the following reply:
‘‘Boston, Mass., June 28, 1906.
C. F. Whitman, Esq.,
Norway, Maine.
Dear Sir :
Your favor of the 26th inst. was duly received, stating that in the grant to
Jonathan Cummings of a certain tract of land in Cumberland County in 1788, the
southern boundary is given as the northern line of Rust and Stinchfield’s grants,
and asking whether or not, any record appears here of a grant to a James Stinch¬
field, between 1783 and 1789. The deed of Jonathan Cummings recorded here, gives
the southern boundary as the north line of “Rust’s or Stinchfield’s grant so called,”
which would make it seem that one grant, not two distinct ones, was referred
to. The fact that no reference to a deed, having been given to any individual
bearing the surname of Stinchfield gives further weight to such a supposition. An
examination was made of certain files, in the State’s collection, relating to Eastern
lands, in the hope of finding some direct allusion to the Stinchfield in question, as
purchasing or wishing to purchase land, but the only reference found to the name,
was in an agreement made with Jonathan Cummings, as to the purchase of land,
in Cumberland County, bearing date April 21, 1788, but which was afterward can¬
celled, in which mention is made of “land sold to Rust or Stinchfield.”
In the Maps and Plans Collection, which forms a part of the Mass. Archives, is
a plan, bearing the title: “Rust or Stinchfield Grant, taken from Mr. Rust’s plan
No. 5, 1788.” It would seem probable therefore, that Rust must in some way have
superseded Stinchfield in the purchase of the land lying south of the Cummings tract.
Yours Respectfully,
Wm. M. Olin, Secretary.”
This would appear to establish in connection with tradition that
James Stinchfield had at one period, a purpose of acquiring a tract of
land here, upon which parties from Gray and New Gloucester were to
settle, and for some reason gave it over to Capt. Henry Rust who had
been induced to purchase and carry out the project. We find that
Stinchfield when the tract was run out, assisted in the survey. What¬
ever view may be taken of the matter of James Stinchfield’s interest,
it shows a close relation between him and Captain Rust and the first
settlers, and refutes the idea, if any refutation was necessary, that
the latter were squatters or trepassers.
The first comers here intended to settle on the Rust tract and
deal with him, in paying for their lots and acquiring their titles to
their holdings.
Jeremiah Hobbs, who located on State’s land afterwards the Cum¬
mings Purchase, according to all accounts, supposed that he had
settled on the Rust tract, and Nathaniel Stevens’ case was like Hobbs’.
We positively know that Peter Everett, who had also settled on that
tract near the boundary line, thinking it was on the Rust purchase,
was assigned another lot by Captain Rust in the southwest part of
his tract, to which Everett’s habitation was moved. This indicates
26
HISTORY OF NORWAY
that Everett in locating as and where he did had previously made
arrangements for his first lot and settlement with Captain Rust.
There is no doubt that similar arrangements for occupancy and
payment for their lots were made by him or his agents with all the
settlers prior to such occupancy.
Capt. Henry Rust obtained his title to the tract, February 7, 1787,
but the bargain had been made the previous year, presumably after it
had been decided that James Stinchfield should give up his interest to
Captain Rust, who was to acquire title to the tract as soon as the
General Court met and authorized the purchase. The men relied
upon to first settle upon it, when it was finally decided that Rust
would buy, began to make their plans and arrangements for coming
hither. And William and John Parsons, nephews of Captain Henry
Rust, then residents of New Gloucester, came to the tract in June,
1786, selected their lots, built a rude camp, felled a few trees
and then returned to their homes. They did so little in felling trees
that it indicates haste in the selection of their lots, probably lest other
parties migiht secure them. It might also indicate that they thought
it best not to do too much of this work till it was absolutely certain
that the project would not fail. The lot of William Parsons was on
the westerly side of the old county road laid out in 1796 from Green¬
wood line through the center of the town and over the hill into
Oxford. The road over Pike’s Hill from what is now the village ran
into it opposite William Parsons’ land; John Parsons’ lot adjoined a
part of William’s on the east — the old county road being afterwards
laid out between their farms. The first tree cut on either of the
lots — the first one for a clearing in what is now the town of Norway —
was a large hemlock, on the lot of John Parsons; a portion of its
stump and roots on that account was sacredly preserved by Mr. Par¬
sons and his son who resided on the place, as long as the old gentle¬
man lived.
John Parsons, son of William and Sarah (Rust) Parsons, was
born in Gloucester, Mass., March 1, 1762. He was three times mar¬
ried, and raised a large family of children. He was an industrious
and valuable citizen. He died in 1847.
Dea. William Parsons was born in Gloucester, Mass., Aug. 16,
1759. He was a Revolutionary soldier. He married Abigail, daugh¬
ter of Capt. John Millett. He served for a period as one of the plan¬
tation assessors. For many years he was a deacon of the Baptist
church society. Mr. Parsons was a worthy citizen and an exemplary
member of the church. He died Jan. 8, 1845.
The parties from Gray who intended to settle upon Captain Rust’s
tract came here in the autumn of 1786, and besides selecting their
lots, built a log camp, and got out considerable material for the con¬
struction of their habitations, and felled trees for their clearings,
preparatory to their occupancy the following spring. Tradition
states that the names of these pioneers were Joseph and Jonas
Stevens, Amos and Jeremiah Hobbs and George Lessley, and that
they were here at that time, some two months or more.
The camp was built on the lot selected by Joseph Stevens and the
first tree cut for its construction, was a large white birch, whose
stump was left high enough from the ground to constitute one corner
HISTORY OF NORWAY
27
of the camp. A piece of the bark of this tree was preserved by
Simon Stevens, son of Joseph Stevens, for many years and till it
was destroyed when his house was burned.
Besides their other labors these hardy pioneers constructed a dug-
out from a large pine log, for use on the lake, in place of a boat. It
was of great service to them for several years after. Their lots
were located as follows and extended to the lake and were intended
to contain about 140 acres each.
The lot of Jeremiah Hobbs was east of the present Congregation¬
al Church, on what is now the Wyman place at Norway Center. The
lot of Jonas Stevens, the Fred Grover farm; Joseph Stevens selected
the lot next south, now the Charles F. Boober farm; Amos Hobbs’
lot was next on the south — known for many years as the James
Crockett place and George Lessley’s was southwest on the present
Benjamin Tucker farm, on the westerly side of the old county
road, as afterwards laid out and built. Probably all their habitations
were erected near springs of water.
Joel, Jonas, Joseph and Nathaniel Stevens who settled here were
sons of Jonas Stevens who came from Townsend, Mass., and settled
in Gray, where he passed the remainder of his days. He and his
sons had served in the War for American Independence. Joseph,
the ablest of the brothers, was born in November, 1753. He married
Elizabeth Hobbs, a sister of Amos and Jeremiah. He was the leader
and foremost man of the pioneers. When the town was incorporated
he was chosen one of the selectmen and assessors and was re-elected
the following year. He kept a public house for many years. By in¬
dustrious toil he cleared and brought to fertility a fine farm. He
died in August, 1830, aged 77. Jonas Stevens, born about 1750,
married Mary Crandall. He was pensioned for service in the War
of the Revolution. He died February 9, 1833, “aged 84, of palsy.” He
had stated in an affidavit made in court at Paris, Feb. 28, 1821 that
his age was 70, and that his wife was 70.
Jeremiah Hobbs, born in Hopkinton, Mass., June 14, 1747, married
Anna Fowler. They had a family of nine children — eight of whom
were born before coming here. He was one of the petitioners for the
incorporation of the First Congregational Church Society. His son
William was the second trader in Norway — beginning business at the
Center in 1802 — and his grandson, William Whitman Hobbs, was one
of the most prominent men In town of his day, and was deputy sheriff
and representative to the Legislature. Jeremiah Hobbs died June 14,
1814. His wife died in 1824, aged about 78.
Amos Hobbs, born in Hopkinton in 1761, was a Revolutionary
soldier, serving in the disastrous Penobscot Expedition of 1779 from
Gray. The farm he wrought from the wilderness was kept in the
family descendants for more than 125 years. His wife was Lucy
Robinson, who died in 1848, aged 89. He died June 5, 1839, aged 78.
The time and place of the birth of George Lessley, or what con¬
nection, if any, he was to the other settlers he came with, are un¬
known. He served a time in the Revolution in the “30th Mass. Regt.
of Foot” in the Siege of Boston, from Gray. He died in 1800 and left
a widow and children ai which two sons are mentioned — Amasa. and
William, who thereafter resided on the home place till 1809 or a little
28
HISTORY OF NORWAY
later, but finally sold out and went away. The fact that Dea.
William Parsons named one of his sons George Lessley, for Mr. Less-
ley, the year following his death, indicates his standing and moral
worth, and it may be, connection or relationship with the Parsonses.
He was probably buried in the cemetery on Pike’s Hill. Of no other
family of the early settlers, is there so little known.
And here it may be stated as bearing upon the question of the
financial standing of the first settlers, that as soon as the Rust tract
had been surveyed and lotted which was completed by December, 1789,
by Samuel Titcomb; Joseph Stevens, John Parsons, Nathan Noble,
William Parsons, Dudley Pike and Samuel Ames, obtained the deeds
to their lots. Jonathan Abbott, then of Andover, “millwright” and
James Stinchfield of New Gloucester, also received theirs. Titcomb
witnessed Noble’s deed executed December 7th. Joseph Stevens’ and
John Parsons’ were dated also on that day. Abbott’s was executed on
the 4th of December — the others on the 9th of the same month. The
size of these settlers’ lots, is also noteworthy.
John Parsons bought 246 acres, William Parsons 317, Dudley
Pike 289, (James Stinchfield 234), Joseph Stevens 134, Jonas Stevens
137, Joel Stevens 100, Amos Hobbs 133, George Lessley 107, Benjamin
Witt 110, and Nathan Noble 112. Squatters and irresponsibles do
not look ahead to becoming large landholders or prosperous farmers.
Deeds could not well have been given till their farms were lotted. The
settlers would not have waited three years for this, and would have
gone elsewhere.
It has been said that Captain Rust sold lots to the early settlers
at fifty cents an acre. The records show that this statement is an
error. He paid at the rate of thirty-seven and a half cents an acre,
reckoning $5.00 to the. pound. Money in those times was stated in
pounds, shillings and pence. In no case among the records of those
examined by the writer did Captain Rust sell any land for less than
twice what he paid for it. Joseph and Jonas Stevens paid just about
that price for their lots. But Captain Rust’s relatives, the Parsons
brothers, paid about 75 cents an acre, and Benjamin Witt, another
relative, for the lot afterwards the Crockett farm, paid about one
dollar per acre, and sold soon after for three dollars. Dudley Pike
paid about the same per acre as Witt. Benjamin Herring appears
to have paid the highest price for his land of any of the earliest
settlers — $175.00 for 104 acres. Captain Rust must have realized a
fortune for those times, from his purchase.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
29
S’ eJca& Jfoo ‘-LOC>d a** 7
30
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER IV.
The Coming of the First Settlers' Families.
There has been some needless confusion about the year when the
first settlers’ families came. There can be no question, that it was
in 1787. It is stated in both the former histories of Norway that
Sarah Stevens, daughter of Jonas Stevens, born Oct. 17, 1787, was
the first white child born in Norway, and this statement has been
unquestioned in the Stevens’ and Hobbs’ families as well as in all
other families of the old settlers. We have another fact which taken
in connection with it must settle beyond controversy, the year that
the first families came.
Robinson Hobbs was the third child of Amos and Lucy (Robinson)
Hobbs and was born February 27, 1787. Had the settlers’ families
come the year previous, Robinson Hobbs would have received the
honor of being the first child born in the little settlement, but such
a claim was never made. David Noyes, who it must be presumed
obtained his information from some of the first settlers themselves,
states in his history that the wife of Amos Hobbs, while waiting at
what was afterwards called Ames’ Point for the boat or dug-out
which was to take her and the Children across the pond that “she
then had an infant in her arms born the March previous — (the infant
was Robinson Hobbs).” This was in June as the historian states,
while the families of Joseph Stevens and George Lessley had come
in April or May of the same year.
In the early spring of 1787, the first pioneer families were brought
into what is now South Paris, and into Oxford, then with Hebron,
called Shepardsfield, and the settlers came to their lots to erect and
prepare habitations for their occupancy. David Noyes in his his¬
tory states : “And from such accounts as the writer can gather, Joseph
Stevens built a small frame house early in the spring of 1787, six¬
teen feet by twenty; he split out pine rift clapboards, and clapboarded
on the studs and long shingled the roof, built a stone fireplace, high
enough on which to lay a wooden mantel-piece, and after a short
time topped out the chimney by what used to be called catting; that
is by laying up split sticks, cob-house fashion, in clay mortar mixed
with straw, chopped fine, to make it adhere more strongly to the
sticks. After getting fairly into their new settlement the other four,
(George Lessley, Amos Hobbs, Jeremiah Hobbs and Nathaniel Ste¬
vens) built themselves houses of the same size and construction.
They split out basswood plank and hewed them for a floor.”
It should not be presumed that any one of the pioneers alone did
all the work of building his own habitation. They worked together,
and when one house was ready for occupancy another was com¬
menced, and in this way the habitations for all were constructed.
After the house of Joseph Stevens was built, he moved his family
from William Stowell’s in Paris, where they had temporarily been
stopping, to their new home in the wilderness. “Aunt Betty,” as
she was afterwards called in the settlement, had three of their four
children with her — Daniel, Amy and Apphia. The other child, Jonas,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
31
was left till the following year with his grandparents in Gray. The
family came on foot by a spotted line, crossing the meadow brook on
the trunk or limbs of a fallen tree, and thence to the ridge just
above the present boat houses, and to the point of land projecting
into what is now the bog, — afterwards called Ames’ Point, which they
reached late in the afternoon. Here the dugout had been left. At
that time the gravel filling for the road to the later Crockett bridge,
had not been made, and what is now the bog was then a part of the
main pond. When Mr. Stevens had reached the western shore with
his little family it was cloudy and dark and he was unable to find
the landing and path to his habitation, and they had to stay all night
in the woods. Fortunately the weather was not cold or the ground
wet or damp and the family passed a more comfortable night than
might be supposed at that season of the year. There were no insects
to trouble them. Earlier in the season it would have been frosty,
and later the black flies and mosquitoes would have rendered sleep
impossible. Just what shelter Mr. Stevens was able to provide for
his wife and little ones does not appear. We can imagine that hem¬
lock boughs under the branches of some evergreen tree for shelter,
furnished a good bed. We know that it was beside the trunk of a
pine tree, which had blown down and perhaps near the roots of this
tree the trunk was high enough to place some boughs that were
broken or cut from trees near at hand and thus to provide some shel¬
ter. But what we know about that matter is what Mrs. Stevens after¬
wards told David Noyes. She said that they stayed through the night
by a great fallen pine tree and that she had a grand night’s sleep,
and was very thankful when the family reached their future home the
next morning.
The next day the family of George Lessley was moved into Mr.
Stevens’ house. How many it consisted of does not appear, nor is
there any incident of their coming that has come down to us.
In June following as related, Amos Hobbs’ family moved into
the same house, “making three families in one house sixteen feet by
twenty,” David Noyes states. He did not take account of the camp
built the autumn before which five men for weeks had occupied and
which must have been of great convenience in housing so many till
other habitations were built.
It appears from David Noyes’ narrative, that “in the intermediate
time between the moving in of Joseph Stevens and Amos Hobbs, Jonas
Stevens in the fore part of May came in with his family, in about the
same manner; and Jeremiah Hobbs moved (his family in, in Septem¬
ber following.” Then the families in their order of coming into the
little settlement were: Joseph Stevens’, first; George Lessley’s, sec¬
ond; Jonas Stevens’, third; Amos Hobbs’, fourth, and Jeremiah
Hobbs’, fifth. And it is presumed that a habitation — the second in the
settlement — for Jonas Stevens’ had been built prior to his coming, into
which his family moved, as no mention is made of their going even
temporarily to Joseph Stevens’ house.
Upon getting located the settlers began the work of enlarging
their clearings, constructing and completing their habitations and
out-buildings needed, made bridle paths between their openings, rude¬
ly bridging the little streams and wet places, and all other things re-
32
HISTORY OF NORWAY
quired to be done. And in this labor, they not only worked from sun
to sun but from daylight to dark. Even in dull weather they found
enough to do in making utensils for the family use, improving the in¬
sides of their structures, constructing implements to be used in the
cultivation of the soil, and in fact everything that was needed to make
pioneer life endurable, and as comfortable as possible.
Inside every habitation was a hive of industry. The housewife
not only prepared the meals for the family and performed her other
household duties, but assisted her husband in his work in many ways,
and often helped in planting and harvesting the crops, and in taking
care of the stock.
As soon as the fallen trees in their clearings had sufficiently dried
they were burned — all turning out to assist in the work. There
would always be some parts of the trees which would not be burned
and these would have to be piled together for a second burning which
the settler could ordinarily do without the help of his neighbors.
Then would come the planting for a crop of corn, beans, peas, pota¬
toes, pumpkins, etc., and a plot sowed to wheat, another to rye and
a third to flax. That these pioneers, the first year had successful
burnings, their planting done in season, and fair crops harvested,
may be presumed from the fact that nothing to the contrary has come
down to us. That there were many hardships and some suffering
there is little doubt. But these they expected and bore without com¬
plaint. How they subsisted till their first crops were grown, we
have no means of knowing. The nearest places where corn was
ground were at Jackson’s mill on Stony Brook in what is now South
Paris village, some six miles distant, and at Ray’s mill— “a rude af¬
fair,” in what is now Otisfield, but when it was impracticable on ac¬
count of the weather, or other reasons, the settlers pounded their corn,
rye and wheat in rude mortars. From the material thus obtained, the
housewives made “samp porridge” and cooked this material in various
ways, and it was considered very good.
In the summer of 1787 William and John Parsons came again to
the lots they had selected and began felling more trees for their
clearings. With them were Benjamin Herring and Dudley Pike, who
came to select lots for themselves. Herring selected a lot on the high
land in the south part of Rust’s tract, over which the first county
road was afterwards located. Frank T. Pike, who married Herring’s
granddaughter, formerly owned the farm. Dudley Pike’s lot was on
what was afterwards called Pike’s Hill. His grandson, Seth Pike,
lived there for many years. It is the farm next south of the burying
ground.
Herring was the third Benjamin Herring in direct descent from
an English sea captain of that name and was born at Cape Ann,
Massachusetts, September 3, 1761. He married Esther Robinson and
had eleven children. Harriet, next to the youngest, married Captain
Jonathan Whitehouse. Benjamin Herring was a Revolutionary sol¬
dier and was a worthy and industrious citizen. He died in 1843.
Dudley Pike was born in Exeter, N. H., September 2, 1760. He
served a period in the Continental Army and it is said under General
John Stark, the hero of Bennington. His wife was Celia Weston of
Kingston, Mass. They had twelve children- One, Seth, a promising
HISTORY OF NORWAY
33
young man, died in the Way of 1812, at Burlington, Vermont. He
was a member of the Norway company. Dudley Pike died in 1838,
aged 78.
These four pioneers, the Parsonses, Pike and Herring had come
into this section with two horses, bringing their tools, camp utensils,
blankets, clothing and provisions. Some time after they arrived, the
animals got frightened one night, broke loose and ran away and c. >uld
not be found. Late in the autumn they were discovered nearly
starved, on or near a hill not very far from Pike’s clearing, which
from this occurrence has since been known as “Horse Hill.”
Much work was done by them that year towards clearing their
lots, erecting log houses and out-buildings and getting ready to move
their families into their new homes early the following year. And
it may be here stated that all of these settlers after establishing their
hoihes, lived and died on the farms they had wrought out of the wil¬
derness.
During the year 1787, Nathaniel Stevens came to the settlement
and selected a lot northwesterly of Jeremiah Hobbs’, several acres
of trees were felled and a habitation and out-buildings erected, pre¬
paratory to moving his family in, the next year.
Nathaniel Stevens was born in Townsend, Mass., in February,
1761. He married Rebecca Cobb, a relative of Rev. Sylvanus Cobb.
He died, June 30, 1816, and his widow married Jacob Frost, the Rev¬
olutionary soldier. She died, January 19, 1847, “aged 80.”
At the close of the first year there were five families established
in the little settlement, and five other clearings had been made and
habitations erected upon them, ready for occupancy.
The notable event here for the year 1787 was the birth in the
family of Jonas Stevens of Sarah Stevens, October 17. She was the
first child of English parentage born in what is now the town of
Norway.
34
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER V.
Early Settlement of Rustfield Continued.
During the latter part of March, 1788, Dudley Pike moved his
family from Paris to their new home on the hill. The next day,
toward nightfall, William and John Parsons and Benjamin Herring
came to his house and stopped till the next day when they “proceeded
to their own habitations which were nothing but humble log houses.”
We are left to infer that their families came with them, as the writer,
David Noyes, would not have been so particular about their habita¬
tions unless their occupancy was thereafter to be permanent. No
other allusion in any account is made to the families of these pioneers
moving into their new homes.
Early this year Nathaniel Stevens moved his family into the set¬
tlement. Soon after they came, while felling trees on his lot, he met
with a serious accident by having a leg broken. The family, consist¬
ing of his wife and young children — the published genealogy gives but
two, but David Noyes says three — with the injured husband to care
for, was thus put in straitened circumstances. But while the set¬
tlers had scarcely enough for their own families, they did what they
could to relieve the distress of the unfortunate ones and performed
the work the injured man had expected to accomplish in felling trees,
planting and gathering the crops. It was a very trying time for Mrs,
Stevens — the hardest year in all her existence, and nobly and well
did she perform her duty. That she was an exemplary woman, there
has never been any question. An incident of that starving time, was
given in the first history and commented upon at length in the second,
arising no doubt from hasty passing observation and idle gossip which
in our view should never have been mentioned at all, for it is not rea¬
sonable under the circumstances, that one would take what could be
had for the asking, and when it was the rule for all to share with the
unfortunate ones, all they had.
During the same period Jeremiah Hobbs who had a family of eight
children, lost his only cow, and a similar misfortune happened that
year or the next in George Lessley’s family. They somehow sur¬
mounted all the difficulties and misfortunes that beset and befell them.
Abundant harvests at last came to reward them for their abiding faith
and patient industry. They not only builded for themselves but for
posterity. They with others founded a town which is a lasting mon¬
ument to their worth and their memory.
Samuel Ames came from Paris, then No. 4, this year and settled
on the southern slope of Pike’s Hill, adjoining the Dudley Pike farm.
It was known in recent years as the David W. Frost place but now
(1917) is owned by Prof. Richard E. Clement. The story of the
family’s coming was told by the oldest daughter, born in Shepards-
field in October, 1783, and is substantially as follows: Procuring a
steady horse, a sack closed at the ends and open in the middle, was
placed across the saddle, then each of the two youngest of three
children was put in either end of it. The oldest child was placed on
the horse’s back, and held on over the rough places by the father who
35
1247297
HISTORY OF NORWAY
led the animal while the mother walked behind, carrying such articles
in her arms as she could conveniently take with her. In this way
they followed the bridle path into the settlement, crossing the two
streams, and going up over the hill to their new home.
Samuel Ames, whose real name was Samuel Buck, but which for
some reason he had discarded for his mother’s name — Ames, was
born at Haverhill, Mass., in 1759. He had served in the Continental
Army. His wife was Jerusha G. Baker. They had eleven children.
He built the first frame house in the village in the vicinity of the
mills. Mr. Ames was the principal source of information, for facts
concerning the early settlers, which David Noyes relied upon in
writing his history of the town. He was a very intelligent, highly
respected and worthy citizen. He died in March, 1852, at the great
age of 93. His wife had died eight years before.
A noteworthy occurrence during the year 1788, in the little set¬
tlement was the birth of Joseph Stevens, Jr., May 31 — the first white
male child born in what is now the town of Norway.
And this same year, as will be seen elsewhere, trees were felled
for a settlement on the Waterford Three Tiers, which became a part
of Norway when the town was incorporated.
Jonathan Cummings of Andover, Mass., in August, 1788, obtained
his deed of the tract of his first purchase. It seems by the com¬
munication of the Secretary of State at Boston to the author, referred
to in a previous chapter, that Cummings had in April of the same
year obtained a deed of the tract, or a part of it which had been
cancelled. The occasion for this does not appear.
Its early settlement will be given in its place.
The year 1789 was the most notable one, in all the early history of
the little settlement. A saw and a grist mill were built by Capt. Rust;
the frames being raised in June and the mills completed in October.
For many years thereafter, they were called Rust’s Mills. They were
erected on the water privilege, on the outlet of the lake, at what is
now the head of Norway Village. The successors to these first mills
are still there, but the grist mill is not now operated as such.
Samuel Ames assisted iin the building of the mills and while at
this work, occupied a camp he had built — the first building of any
kind erected in what is now Norway Village. He was our first
miller and continued to run the grist mill for about 45 years. He
sold his place on Pike’s Hill, in 1790, to Moses Twitchell of Paris or
No. 4, and moved his family to a place on the northerly side of the
stream near the mill, where he lived to his death.
Thomas Cowen came from No. 4 to take charge of the saw mill
under Mr. Ames’ superintendence. He lived in a little cabin across
the stream nearly opposite the mill. After two or three years, an¬
other millman was selected to run the saw mill and Cowen went on to
a farm and finally removed to Paris, and we hear nothing further
concerning him.
Samuel Perkins from Bridgewater, Mass., probably came here
some time in 1789, as he was here with his family when the U. S.
census was taken in 1790. He settled on the ridge on the east
side of the great pond between what was afterwards the Anthony
Bennett and the Joshua Crockett farms. His lot was 60 acres for
36
HISTORY OF NORWAY
which he paid 20£ — $100. He did not get his deed till September
10, 1794. Perkins had served three and one-half years in the Con¬
tinental Army. His wife was Mehitable Shurtleff, daughter of Jona¬
than. He married her in 1787. They had nine children. He sold
the north part of his farm to Anthony Bennett, Dec. 10, 1803, and
the same day the other half to Joshua Crockett, and moved into Paris,
where he died some years after — (about 1809).
Some time during this year, Nathan Noble from Gray, came and
felled trees and built a habitation on the lot that had been selected
for him adjoining George Lessley’s on the south, and while this work
was being done his family stayed at Amos Hobbs’, whose sister he
had married.
Nathan Noble was the son of Nathan Noble, who was killed at the
Battle of Saratoga, which resulted in the Surrender of Gen. John
Burgoyne and his British Army, Oct. 17, 1777. Nathan Jr., was born
at Stroudwater, near Portland, Feb. 28, 1761.
He had served a period in the War for American Independence.
Nathan Noble was one of the ablest men of the early settlers. He
was one of the assessors of Rustfield plantation and served twelve
years as one of the selectmen of the town — seven of which he was
chairman of the board. He was killed while felling trees in 1827, and
was buried on Pike’s Hill. There has been a Nathan Noble in every
generation of his descndants to the present time and with only one
break in a direct line.
John Millett from New Gloucester, settled in the plantation this
year. His lot was on Millett Hill near the Oxford line. He was the
son of Capt. John and Mary (Woodhouse) Millett, and was born Jan.
28, 1768. He married, in 1790, Martha Sawyer, born June 12, 1767.
They had 11 children. He died, Dec. 1, 1843, aged 76. His wife died
April 10, 1839, aged 71.
It is stated in both Norway histories that John Pike, brother of
Dudley Pike, settled here in 1793 — one has it: “1794 or the year pre¬
vious.” He probably came in 1789, for he was in Rustfield with his
family when the census was taken in 1790. His lot was on the hill
south of the mills and adjoined Dudley Pike’s on the north.
John Pike was born in New Hampshire, June 11, 1763. He came
to Maine after the War of the Revolution, staying a while in New
Gloucester, where he became acquainted with Mary Tarbox, whom
he married. They had two children, a son and a daughter, when the
census was taken. They afterwards had 11 more. She died in Jan¬
uary, 1813, and he married Sarah Perry of Otisfield, by whom Mr.
Pike had two more children. John Pike had a very strong voice and
for many years took the lead in moving buildings, and in building
stone walls. He was a great worker, steady and industrious, and
withal a good citizen. He purchased land on the river in Oxford and
mortgaged the old homestead on the hill to Wm. C. Whitney, which
afterwards fell into his hands as Pike couldn’t pay the claim on it.
He died on what was afterwards the Robert Noyes farm, near the
covered bridge in Oxford, in 1844, “aged 81.”
Benjamin Witt from Lynn, Mass., a nephew of Capt. Henry Rust,
a young man who had learned the blacksmith’s trade became a settler
here this year. He was the first blacksmith in the place and lived
HISTORY OF NORWAY
37
for several years near the mills. He obtained lot 46 in 1791, which
he sold in 1799 to Joshua Crockett of Gorham, Maine. From him the
place was afterwards called the Crockett farm, and the name sur¬
vives in the Crockett Bridge over the outlet of the lake. Witt also
acquired some land near the mills, presumably for his shop. In those
days blacksmiths made many things needed in family use and for
work in the fields, as their principal business of shoeing cattle and
horses of a later time had not then come into vogue. Witt thrived
at his trade for several years till Levi Bartlett came and established
himself in the same business. Bartlett used water power to operate
a trip-hammer. Witt afterwards bought a tract north of the village
on which he built and lived to his death.
Benjamin Witt was born in 1766, and came here at the solicita¬
tion of his uncle, Captain Rust. He married soon after coming,
Betsey Parsons. By her he had four children. She died and he
married Lucy Cobb. She had two children by him. She died and
he married for his third wife, Hannah Parsons, a sister of his first
wife. By her he had three children. For his fourth wife he married
Mrs. Patty (Hathaway) House, but had no children by her. After
he had moved to his farm, north of the village, he built a shop of
split logs, in which he did blacksmithing for many years. This build¬
ing was in existence till a recent period. He served several years on
the board of plantation assessors and also on the board of selectmen
of the town. He died in 1842, “of the palsy.”
The second male child in the settlement was born in August of
this year, in the family of Amos Hobbs and named Ebenezer.
Two deaths occurred this year in the little settlement.
Esther Smith, daughter of Josiah and a sister of Joshua and
Daniel, of whom we shall hereafter hear much — born February 20,
1765, married John Parsons, the Norway pioneer. In the Pike’s Hill
cemetery in the family lot is a grave with its headstone, on which is
the following inscription:
“Esther, wife of
John Parsons
Died Feb. 20
1789 aet. 2U”
This was the anniversary of her birthday. There is a melancholy
history connected with her death. She had given birth to a female
child which died soon after it was born — the mother surviving its
birth only a few days. This child was the first one to die, in what
is now the town of Norway. They were buried near a large tree on
the border of Mr. Parsons’ clearing, and afterwards their bodies were
taken up and reburied in the cemetery on Pike’s Hill.
Several of the settlers obtained their deeds from Captain Rust
this year; Joseph Stevens, his of Lot 20, Dec. 7; William Parsons of
Lot 30, and John Parsons. Lot 31 of 246 acres, the consideration being
36£ 18 s. or three shillings per acre — an English shilling being worth
about 25 cents in our currency. He had paid the State at the rate of
H/2 shillings per acre for his tract including the water power privi¬
lege. Dec. 9, 1789, Captain Rust sold to James Stinchfield of New
Gloucester (not the great hunter of that name but a relative, who
became a resident here after the town was incorporated), 234 acres
38
HISTORY OF NORWAY
bordering on lot of Wm. Parsons for 35£ or 700 shillings, a fraction
less than three shillings per acre. On the 4th day of December, 1789,
he had sold to Moses Abbott of Andover, Mass., the lot west of
Nathaniel Stevens, for 30£, which was found to be on State land,
afterwards the second Cummings Purchase, which of course was of
no effect, and the consideration had to be paid back to Abbott. June
28, 1791, Captain Rust sold to his nephew, Benjamin Witt, Lot 46 of
110 acres, for 30£ or 600 shillings — 5 5/11 shillings per acre. Witt
sold this tract November 7, 1799, to Joshua Crockett for $330 — $3
per acre. Captain Rust sold 60 acres north of this tract, September
10, 1794, to Samuel Perkins for 20£, or 400 shillings — at the rate of
6 2/3 shillings per acre. Perkins had presumably been several years
on his lot as he was here with a family in 1790.
It thus appears from these transactions that Capt. Henry Rust
began by selling lots on his tract to the settlers whether relatives or
otherwise, at the general uniform price of three shillings per acre —
twice its cost — not an unreasonable sum certainly — yet deemed by him
a satisfactory price, and being such, as lands were being sold, at that
time, in contiguous territory. It was an eminently wise policy, and
as it appeared, worked so well as to rapidly populate the plantation.
It appears also as might well be expected, that as the population in¬
creased the price of his land not sold, increased.
A survey of Rustfield was completed and the tract lotted by
December, 1789, by Samuel Titcomb, a surveyor of State lands and a
plan of the tract drawn. A copy of this plan may be seen on another
page. The lots of Jeremiah Hobbs, Nathaniel Stevens and Moses
Abbott are marked thereon, showing that at that time he and these
settlers supposed they were on his tract.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
39
CHAPTER VI.
Later Pioneer Period of Rustfield.
The first U. S. census was taken in 1790. It gave the names of
the heads of families, the number of males and of females, but not
their individual names. The author has this printed list, for all the
towns, plantations and places in the District of Maine, issued by the
Government, before him as this chapter is written.
The list for “Rustfield Gore” is as follows:
William Dunlap, George Lessley, Benjamin Witt, Amos Hobbs,
Joseph Stevens, Warren Lucas, Jonas Stevens, Nathaniel Stevens,
Samuel Perkins, Jeremiah Hobbs, John Millett, Samuel Ames, Thomas
Cowen, John Pike, Dudley Pike, Moses Twitchell, John Parsons,
William Parsons, Benjamin Herring and Nathan Noble.
There were twenty families consisting of 22 males of and above
16 years of age, 30 less than sixteen and 50 females — total 102.
To these should be added the settlers on the Waterford Three
Tiers, afterwards annexed to Norway, when the town was incorpor¬
ated, which will show the total population of what is now the town
of Norway, in 1790. The names of heads of families on the Water¬
ford Three Tiers at that time were as hereafter will be seen, Phinehas
Whitney with wife, two boys and two girls besides himself, and
Jonathan Stickney, who had with him another male over 16 years of
age (Lemuel Shedd) — eight persons in all, which added to the 102
in Rustfield makes just 110 as the population of the place later called
Norway — 22 families and 110 persons — not 80 families and 448 per¬
sons as the Centennial History gives it, and yet a very satisfactory
showing for three years’ time.
Moses Twitchell’s name was also on the No. 4 (Paris) census list,
showing that between the time of the taking of the census there and
here he had moved into Rustfield. He had lost or left there during
the meantime a male child under 16.
John Millett, Benjamin Witt, Warren Lucas, Jonathan Stickney
and Lemuel Shedd had no wives, at that time, but John Parsons had,,
showing that he had married his second wife before the census was
taken. We have no further mention of Warren Lucas and his name
disappears from our narrative.
Moses Twitchell was a Revolutionary solider. He bought the
farm of Samuel Ames on the southerly slope of Pike’s Hill where he
lived for several years, when he sold to Ephraim Briggs and moved
away — where it does not appear.
David Noyes’ History states that Peter Everett, a native of
France, who had come to America previous to or during the Revolu¬
tion, took up a lot south of Jeremiah Hobbs and built a habitation to
which in 1789 he had moved his family. This must have been a mis¬
take. He was not here when the census was taken in 1790, nor was
his name on any of the lots when the plan of the Rust tract was
made from the survey in December, 1789. He probably came here
and selected his lot and perhaps built his habitation in 1790, after
the census was taken, and moved his family hither, it may be in 1791.
But Jonathan Cummings had obtained his deed of his second pur-
40
HISTORY OF NORWAY
chase April 10, 1790, presumably before the census was taken, yet,
there was a controversy about Captain Rust’s north line (close to
which Everett’s house was built) which may have dragged along for
some time, before he relinquished his claim, but when he did, whether
earlier or later, he assigned Peter Everett a lot in the southern part
of Rustfield, west of William Parsons’ — since known as the Lombard
place, to which his habitation was moved, where he passed the last
years of his life. Everett had lost an arm, it was said, on the voyage
to this country, in the French vessel’s conflict with a British man-of-
war, which it managed to escape. He married the widow Susan Burns.
Despite the loss of an arm he did much work in clearing his land and
planting flowers and medicinal herbs, some kinds of which are still to
be seen on the place. He died March 27, 1821.
It has been claimed that he was a pensioner of the United States
but the author’s inquiry at the Pension Department showed this to be
incorrect. He may have been pensioned by the French Government,
however. The eventful occurrence in the history of Norway, con¬
nected with the Everetts, is that Mrs. Everett, while the family lived
near Norway Center, as it came to be called, taught a school for
small children at her house — the first in the settlement and also in
the town.
Just at what time the plantation of Rustfield was organized as
such is uncertain as the records have not been preserved. We know
that it had a corporate existence in 1794, for a State tax was assessed
that year, and it continued as a plantation till 1797 when the town
was incorporated. None of the other tracts which went to make up
the town of Norway were ever organized as plantations, so far
as known.
Anthony and Nathaniel Bennett, twin brothers from New Glouces¬
ter, came and selected lots 43 and 44 on the east side of the great
pond in 1790. They were induced to come by Captain Rust who on
one of his trips to his tract, saw them at work beside the road. He
knew they would be valuable acquisitions to the little settlement he
had started. Anthony married Mary Blake, born in Gloucester,
Mass., May 10, 1771, and settled in 1791 on the lot he had selected,
where he lived to his death, the result of being injured at Craigie’s
Mills, while at work on a mill, October 28, 1807. He was very popu¬
lar in the community and was captain of the military company. His
death was a great loss to the town as well as to his family. Captain
Anthony Bennett was in the 38th year of his age — having been born
in New Gloucester, December 11, 1770. His widow died July 21,
1849 — surviving her husband 42 years. They had eight children.
Nathaniel Bennett married Betsey Blake, a sister of Anthony’s
wife. They had no children. They settled in Rustfield in 1793, on
what was known as the Solomon I. Millett farm, now owned by Mr.
Don C. Seitz. Nathaniel and Anthony together bought the tract con¬
stituting their two farms, and divided it, June 1, 1796 — Nathaniel
taking the northerly half and Anthony the southerly part. “Uncle
Nat” Bennett was one of the pillars of the Universalist Church, and
for many years, both summer and winter, was a very familiar figure
on the streets of the village. He died March 15, 1855.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
41
Joshua Smith from New Gloucester, came to Rustfield this year
and selected a lot south of the one first settled on by Samuel Ames
on the southerly slope of Pike’s Hill. Old residents know it as the
Bradbury farm. The next year (1791) he moved here. He brought a
bushel of the seed ends of potatoes, on his back, which he planted on
burnt ground and raised fifty bushels. This is the first account of
potatoes being grown in what is now the town of Norway, though it
is not probable that these were the first ones raised here.
As there are no tax lists now in existence prior to 1794, we must
rely upon tradition for the particular year certain of the first set¬
tlers came here. During the latter part of 1790, William Gardner
built a house (the second in what is now the village — Samuel Ames
having built the first) on what is now the corner of Main and Whit¬
man streets, and Daniel Knight moved into this house with Gardner
and stayed there for a time. Both were in No. 4 (Paris) with their
families when the census was taken.
Zebedee Perry, a Revolutionary soldier, came in 1791 and selected
a lot for a farm south of Nathan Noble’s. Mr. Perry was born in
Middleboro, Mass., May 25, 1756, and married, July 16, 1786, Judith
Tucker, born at Cape Ann, December 5, 1760. The farm he wrought
out of the wilderness, is still owned by his descendants of the family
name. He died about 1815. She died Sept. 16, 1839, “aged 81.”
About this time David Gorham, a Revolutionary soldier, came
and settled on a lot near Zebedee Perry’s. He was born in Halifax,
Nova Scotia, August 7, 1763. He married Hannah Pratt of Middle¬
boro. Gorham was in No. 4 without a family when the census was
taken. He died on his farm, May 29, 1834. She died March 27, 1848,
“aged 80.”
Peter Buck was in No. 4 with a family when the census was taken
and shortly after came here and settled on a lot on what is now Pleas¬
ant street, in the village. He was the first shoemaker in the place.
His father of the same name, was a French Huguenot. He married
Jemima Fay. She died Sept. 10, 1839, “aged 80.” He died Nov. 6,
1842, “aged 94.”
In 1791 on the 17th of May, the first marriage in the little settle¬
ment occurred. The parties were Nathan Foster and Miriam Hobbs,
who were living on the Cummings Tract. And the same year Benja¬
min Witt and Betsey Parsons of Rustfield were married. Rev. Nathan
Merrill of New Gloucester, officiated. The marriages thereafter, for
some time, averaged about one a year and one no doubt then was the
subject of more gossip than a dozen ordinary ones of the present day.
But John Parsons was the first resident to be married. He went to
New Gloucester and married there for his second wife, Dorothy
Stevens, before the census was taken in 1790. And Lemuel Shedd
in 1791 or 1792, married Ruth Symonds in Bridgton.
There died in September of 1791, Susanna, the little two and a
half years old daughter of Nathaniel and Rebecca (Cobb) Stevens.
It has been stated that this was the first death in the settlement, but
this is an error as we have seen. It was the first one, however, on the
Cummings Purchase. Probably buried in what is now called Nor¬
way Center cemetery.
42
HISTORY OF NORWAY
A sad drowning accident happened the same year. Daniel Cary,
who had begun a clearing on the Lee’s Grant on the east side of the
great pond north of what is now the Dunham place, and was working
for Captain Rust at the mills, started to go to his clearing one after¬
noon after his work was done. Arriving at the outlet of the pond in
the vicinity of the present Crockett Bridge, he found that the boat he
had used to cross the stream, had been taken by some one going to
the Perkins or Bennett clearing and left on the other side. In at¬
tempting to swim or wade the stream, he -was drowned. The next
day his body was recovered, and in due time, buried.
Joel Stevens, William Stevens, Solomon and Nathaniel Millett,
Benjamin Rowe, John Cushman, and Ebenezer Whitmarsh were here
to be taxed in Rustfield in 1794. William Stevens was the son of
Jonas Stevens, and had reached the age to be taxed. John Cush¬
man was here to be taxed in 1796 but not in 1798. He lived some¬
where on the brook that crosses Main Street below the Tubbs store,
long enough for it to be called for many years the Cushman Brook.
Joel Stevens was born in Townsend, Mass., about 1755. He was a
Revolutionary soldier, and is said to have settled here in 1793. His
second wife died after their child, Polly, was born and he married
the next year Olive, the oldest child of Jeremiah Hobbs. She was
born May 30, 1771, and was 23, while he was 39. They had 11 chil¬
dren. He died May 18, 1850, “aged 95.” His wife survived him sev¬
eral years.
Benjamin Rowe began on a lot south of Joel Stevens’ on the old
county road afterwards laid out. He was a descendant in the 4th
generation from John Rowe who in 1651 was in Gloucester, Mass.,
where Benjamin was born Feb. 8, 1767. He was a soldier in the
War of 1812, and was taken prisoner. Benjamin Rowe was twice
married; first to Judith Rowe of New Gloucester, who died in 1790,
and second to Elizabeth Jordan, who died Oct. 17, 1852. He had one
child by his first wife and seven by the second. He died in Norway,
Jan. 13, 1859.
Solomon and Nathaniel Millett were younger brothers of John
Millett, Jr. Solomon was born in Gloucester, Mass., Dec. 24, 1769,
and married Elizabeth, daughter of David Dinsmore. They had 10
children. Their oldest son, Samuel, settled in Texas, and three of his
sons were in the Confederate service. He died Dec. 16, 1857.
Nathaniel Millett was born in Gloucester, Jan. 8, 1772. He was
twice married; first to Susannah Parsons, who bore him three chil¬
dren. She died Jan. 21, 1803, and he married Martha Merrill in
1804, by whom he had eleven children. He died April 9, 1852. She
died July 29, 1865.
Ebenezer Whitmarsh from Bridgewater, born about 1757, was a
soldier in the War for American Independence. The English immi¬
grant ancestor John settled in Weymouth. Ebenezer Whitmarsh
was twice married: first to Mary Humphrey of Gray and second to
Mary Rich. He was a prominent citizen among the early settlers, and
was a constable and collector of taxes for many years. He lived
in the extreme southern part of the town and after his death, June 6,
1827, the family moved to near Fuller’s Corner, and ultimately to
the village. He was buried in the Pike’s Hill burying ground. The
HISTORY OF NORWAY
43
grave is marked by a marble slab. In the list of deaths for the year
1827 one finds this statement: “June 6, Mrs. E. Whitmarsh 70.” This
is an error as the grave stone shows. It should be Mr. E. Whit¬
marsh, 70.
Asa Dunham, born in Massachusetts, in 1759, married Lydia Cobb,
a sister of Isaac Cobb, afterwards a settler here. He was a direct
descendant from Deacon John Dunham the immigrant ancestor. Asa
Dunham was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and also in Capt.
Bailey Bodwell’s Norway company which was in service in the vicin¬
ity of Lake Champlain in the War of 1812. He died at Burlington,
Vt., Oct. 13, 1813. He left a family of ten children, all of whom
lived to grow up and have families of their own.
There had come into Rustfield from the time the state tax was
assessed in 1794 to the assessment of a similar tax in 1796 — the year
before the incorporation of the town — as new settlers, Joshua Crockett,
James and Benjamin Stinchfield, Elisha Cummings, Reuben Hubbard,
Levi Bartlett, Samuel Pierce, Isaac Cobb, a Revolutionary soldier,
Ezekiel Robinson, David and Jonathan Woodman, Simeon Shurtleff,
Joseph Eveleth and Thomas Furlong. The last soon removed to
the Lee’s Grant. Eveleth shortly after went away, as did Ezekiel
Robinson and Samuel Pierce. Reuben Hubbard from Paris Hill, who
came here as a carpenter, returned there before 1798. Isaac Cobb, a
few years later settled on the Lee’s Grant.
Joshua Crockett from Gorham, born in Windham, June 4, 1765,
married Nov. 29, 1787, Sarah Hamblen, born in Barnstable, March
31, 1867, came to Norway about 1795 and lived for a time in the Rust
house on the northeast side of Pike’s Hill. In 1799, he purchased
of Benjamin Witt what was for many years known as the Crockett
place, where he and his son Joshua lived and died.
Both were prominent citizens of the town in their day. Joshua
Crockett senior died Oct. 11, 1819, and his wife died Sept. 8, 1844 —
having survived him 25 years. It is a remarkable fact that Joshua
Crockett, Jr., died in 1845, aged 54 — at the same age of his father at
his death.
David, probably a Revolutionary soldier, and Jonathan Woodman,
apparently father and son, settled in the southeastern part of Rust-
field. Jonathan Woodman served several years on the board of
selectmen. He died July 20, 1850, at the age of 76. David Wood¬
man died November 6, 1840, “aged 93.”
Levi Bartlett from the old Colony of Massachusetts, a blacksmith
by trade, bought “a part of the mill lot” in the village, of Henry Rust,
Sept. 10, 1794, and built a shop on the south side of the stream be¬
tween the two bridges. He used a trip hammer, operated by water
power. Levi Bartlett was born at Plymouth in 1772 and married
Polly, daughter of Ichabod and Mary (Gorham) Tinkham. He did
a big business for those times and for a period served as one of the
plantation assessors. He died in 1818.
James and Benjamin Stinchfield from New Gloucester were
cousins. They lived here with their families where several children
were born, then went elsewhere.
Elisha Cummings, born June 15, 1755, was a soldier in the War
of the Revolution. He married Mary Dolly of Gray and they came
44
HISTORY OF NORWAY
here and settled on a lot in the northeast section of Rustfield. They
had nine children. He was one of the founders of the Universalist
Church society. He died quiet aged, in Richardson Hollow, Green¬
wood, at his daughter Charlotte’s who had married Andrew Richard¬
son, and his remains were interred in the burying ground there.
Simeon Shurtleff, born in Middleboro, June 23, 1758, served as a
soldier in the Revolutionary War. He married in 1781, Submit
Kingman of Bridgewater, and they had 11 children — six having been
born before they came here. He died November 2, 1808, and she
married Edward Baker of Waterford. She died June 31, 1850.
The first county road in what is now the town of Norway was laid
out in 1796. It began at the northern limit of the first Cummings
Purchase — and ran through Fuller’s Corner and over the ridge down
near Jeremiah Hobbs’, then turned south and followed almost a
straight line by William Parsons’ and Benjamin Herring’s over the
hill into Hebron, now Oxford, and thence to Craigie’s Mills, now Ox¬
ford Village.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
45
CHAPTER VII.
Pioneer Period of Cummings Purchase.
The first settlers on the Cummings Tracts in their order, as we
have seen, were Jeremiah Hobbs, Nathaniel Stevens and Peter
Everett.
In 1789, Jonathan Cummings engaged Darius Holt and Nathan
Foster to fell trees on his first purchase. They were here at the rais¬
ing of the frames for the mills in June of that year. The clearing
they made was on the place where Jonathan Cummings, Jr., after¬
wards lived and died. Old residents know it as the Amos T. Holt
farm. Darius Holt selected a lot for himself on the height of land
afterwTard called Fuller’s Corner — in later years called the Rollin
Towne farm. He lived here several years and removed to a lot on the
Waterford Three Tiers. Nathan Foster selected three lots north of
the Cummings farm where he afterwards lived and died.
Dr. Stephen Cummings Old Jonathan Cum m ings
House, Andover, Maine
Darius Holt, born in Andover, Mass., March 6, 1763, married in
1785, Chloe, daughter of Abiel Holt. He was a soldier in the Revo¬
lutionary War, and was pensioned under certificate No. 9997. He
died in August, 1854, aged 89, and was the last survivor of Norway’s
Revolutionary Patriots. His wife died October 11, 1849.
Nathan Foster, also a soldier in the Revolution, was born in
Tewksbury, May 14, 1762. He married Miriam Hobbs (the first mar¬
riage in the settlement). They had six children. She died and he
married her younger sister, Sally Hobbs, by whom he had 11 more.
He died Feb. 5, 1836. She died after 1850.
In 1789, Amos Upton from Reading selected a lot for a settlement
just south of what was afterwards called Fuller’s Corner, and felled
trees for a clearing, and built a habitation. In September, 1790, he
moved his family here.
' Amos Upton, born at North Reading, October 3, 1742, was a soldier
in the Revolutionary War, and was at Bunker Hill. He was three
46
HISTORY OF NORWAY
times married, first to Edith Upton, his cousin, second to Joanna
Bruce, and third to Hannah Haskell. His six children were by his
first wife, who died before 1802. He died April 3, 1838, in his 96th
year. His last wife died, April 20, 1847. He was buried in a field on
the road from the James B. Frost place to the Chapel, and the U. S.
Government furnished a headstone for his grave, procured by the
author of this history. Amos Upton was a good citizen and a zealous
member of the orthodox church, and one of its early pillars in Norway.
He was a natural mechanic, could perform carpenter and all other
kinds of work needed in a new settlement. He made many useful
household utensils and farming tools in his little shop. He also built
a grist mill on the stream running near thfe chapel which was a great
convenience for many years to the people living in that section of the
town.
Job Eastman from the vicinity of Fryeburg, but born in Pem¬
broke, whose sister, Jonathan Cummings, the proprietor of the Cum¬
mings purchases, had married, settled there in 1792, going to live for
several years in the house built for his nephew, Jonathan Cummings,
Jr. He afterwards built on the lot occupied for a time by Peter Ev¬
erett, where he lived and died. His habitation was on the east side
of the old county road, south of Jeremiah Hobbs’.
On the incorporation of the town in 1797, he was elected chairman
of the selectmen and town treasurer. He was clerk of the town for
about 40 years, and an active Justice of the Peace 47 years. He died
February 28, 1845, “aged 95.” His widow died after 1852. They
had no children.
In June, 1793, came Benjamin Fuller and Silas Merriam from
Middleton who purchased lots north of what was afterwards called
Fuller’s Corner. They felled trees on a considerable tract which was
burnt over in August, -when they went back to their Massachusetts
homes. They came again later in the autumn, Mr. Fuller bringing a
yoke of oxen and a horse and moving Asa Case and family with their
household goods in an ox-cart. Case settled on the Waterford Three
Tiers. Fuller and Merriam sowed winter rye on their burnt grounds,
then went back home for the winter. Fuller had made arrangements
with Amos Upton to build him a house and barn the next spring pre¬
paratory to his moving his family here.
In the spring of 1794, Silas Merriam, Aaron Wilkins, a young man
in the service of Benjamin Fuller, and Joseph Dale, who was hired
by Fuller and Merriam for the season, came from Middleton to Salem
and took passage on a wood sloop for Falmouth, which they reached
about the 10th of April, after a stormy voyage. The night after their
arrival, they stayed on the vessel on account of a snow storm, and the
next day the weather having cleared, they started on foot through the
snow with their packs on their backs, for Cummings Purchase. When
they got there, they found a foot or more of snow on the ground and
the settlers making maple syrup and sugar.
In a short time the snow having disappeared, they began felling
trees, and in due time sowed grain and planted corn and vegetables.
In June, Benjamin Fuller came with his family in an ox wagon with
a pair of cattle and two horses. It was with great difficulty that the
team was driven around the pond and up to Amos Upton’s, where
HISTORY OF NORWAY
47
Fuller stayed with his family till into the autumn, as Upton had done
nothing towards the erection of a house and barn for Fuller, as he
had expected, but with Fuller and his hired help, he set resolutely
at work in cutting and preparing the timber and material and had
the barn 32x50 feet completed in time to put in his grain — (he had not
then begun to raise hay). The house 20x38 feet, 1V2 stories high,
was completed for occupancy by November. The boards used in these
structures were procured at Rust’s Mills and rafted up to the head of
the pond and from there, hauled to Fuller’s lot. These buildings were
the largest of any on the Cummings Purchase.
John Henley, a Revolutionary soldier from Reading, came here in
1794, and selected a lot south of Fuller’s Corner. He built a small
house on the west side of the county road, as it was afterwards
laid out. He was a large sized man and moderate in his movements,
yet it is said he could fell an acre of trees a day. He and Darius
Holt felled twelve acres of heavy growth for Benjamin Fuller one
week and finished the job at Saturday noon. Holt felled 10 V2 acres
for Jonathan Cummings in nine and one-half days. Verily there
were men in those days who could handle an axe. Henley’s and
Holt’s fame as woodchoppers has survived to this day. Jonathan
Cummings settled on the tract of his father either in 1794 or 1795.
Amos Cummings did not come till some time after. Aaron Wilkins
did not select his lot for a settlement till several years afterwards.
It was on the east side of the county road near Fuller’s Corner.
Silas Merriam, born in Reading, about 1768, married August 10,
1798, Hannah Upton, daughter of Amos Upton, born July 15, 1779.
He cleared a good farm north of Fuller’s Corner on the old county
road, which remained in the family name till a very recent period.
He was a good citizen, and was respected by all who knew him.
He died July 30, 1844, “aged 76.” His wife died March 19, 1835,
“aged 55.”
Aaron Wilkins, born about 1780, came here in the employment of
Benjamin Fuller, when about 16 years old. In after years he became
very prominent in town affairs. He was first in trade at Fuller’s
Corner, and for eight years he served on the board of selectemen. He
was a member of the Maine Constitutional convention of 1819, and
of the Maine Legislature of 1822 and 1823. After he had retired
from business he lived at Norway Center on or near the lot once oc¬
cupied by Job Eastman. He did a considerable amount of convey¬
ancing and other business transacted by Justices of the Peace. His
wife was Maria Martin, born about 1800. She was 20 years his
junior. They had no children. Mr. Wilkins always was faultlessly
dressed and was a constant church attendant. He passed as the well
dressed gentleman of the town of his day, and he felt his importance
and position in society. His death occurred about 1858, “aged 78,”
and his widow in 1860 married Deacon Thomas G. Goodwin — her
second husband and his second wife.
Major Jonathan Cummings, son of Jonathan Cummings, the Rev¬
olutionary soldier, who purchased the Cummings tracts, was born in
Andover, February 15, 1771. He married Joanna Cobb. They set¬
tled on what was later called the Holt farm about 1795, where Job
48
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Eastman was living. Jonathan Cummings, Jr., was the most influ¬
ential man in Norway in his day. He was the first captain of the
Norway military company and was promoted to Major. He built the
first Congregational church at Norway Center. He died July 12,
1820. His widow married Capt. Charles Barbour of Gray and had
two daughters by him. She had three children by Jonathan Cum¬
mings. She died June 30, 1844.
Benjamin Fuller, who gave his name to the little hamlet called
Fuller’s Corner, in the early days, was the best situated financially
of any of the early settlers. He cleared up “three good farms and
erected three good sets of buildings.” He was also in trade at
Fuller’s Corner for many years. “He was a member of the orthodox
church and maintained a character consistent with church member¬
ship.” Fuller was one of the first signers of the pledge. His wife
was a sister of his neighbor, Silas Merriam. They had four children,
Archelaus, Lydia, Eliza and Silas. “Archelaus married Eliza Eaton
and soon after died and his widow married Sumner Frost.” Lydia,
a successful school teacher, died at the age of 26, Eliza died, aged
about 30, unmarried. Silas was a bachelor, acquired a fair property,
but lived many years in the family of his cousin, Silas Merriam, Jr.
Archelaus Fuller, grandson of the founder of Fuller’s Corner, was
a soldier in the Civil War from Norway. He was a corporal in Co.
G, 14th Me. Vols.
Benjamin Fuller, when old age came upon him — having lost his
wife and daughters — found himself alone in a desolate home. After
failing to obtain the right parties to take care of him though he had
property enough, he made arrangements to be cared for on the town
farm, where he died in 1850, probably at about the age of 80.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
49
CHAPTER VIII.
Pioneer Period of Lee’s Grant
There is very little known, except from tradition, about the early
history of Lee’s Grant. Many pioneers went there to make homes
while contiguous territory was being rapidly settled up, under the
general encouragement given by the Commonwealth and land-holders
for the settlement and development of the public and other lands by
bringing them into a state of cultivation and establishing upon them
settled communities. The matter of “quieting” settlers in their hold¬
ings and possessions, had long been the policy of the State. There
were many inducements for settlers to occupy this tract of land.
They did not have to get in debt at first for their lots, and if thrifty,
had ample time to prepare for the day of payment, and when they
would be in better circumstances. And besides there were no taxes
to pay. Upon the incorporation of the town in 1797, it was provided
that no taxes should be assessed upon this tract for ten years. This
action could not have been anticipated by the first settlers but must
have been an inducement for others after the incorporation of the
town, to go there, while it helped those already on the grant. But
in the meantime there had been a great change in conditions which
affected the people there.
The “Betterment Act” was passed by the General Court at Boston
and received the Governor’s approval early in 1808, but we have rea¬
son to believe that none of its wise provisions could be taken advan¬
tage of by the settlers on the grant, for the reason that the owner
had already made arrangements with them whereby they had become
tenants holding under annual leases. This prevented their claiming
any rights for the improvements they made. What terms the owner
had originally made with them, or how advantageous it might have
been to them there, we have now no means of knowing, nor at what
time they were reduced to tenants. From what is here written and
elsewhere stated about the equity and justice of the Betterment Act, it
may well be concluded that the author’s sympathies are wholly with
the settlers. Indeed one of the motives he had in writing this history
was that the truth about them might be known, and justice be done
them.
Before taking up the narrative of the settlement of the grant, let
us give a summary of what we know took place regarding it.
In 1780, a tract of 6000 acres was granted by the General Court, to
Arthur Lee of Virginia, for services to the Commonwealth, in Great
Britain in 1775. Its location was indefinite, — “lying eastward of Saco
River.” In 1785, the tract having been surveyed and a plan of it
made, it was “confirmed” to him by another act of the Legislature.
Nothing, however, was done towards its settlement, and Arthur
Lee died in December, 1792, having made a will devising his grant to
his nephew, Francis Lightfoot Lee. Still there was nothing done by
the nephew for some years, but evidently when the town of Norway
was incorporated, he, through his agents, on account presumably of
his not being ready to take up the matter of its settlement as Cap¬
tain Rust had done with his purchase, procured a proviso in the act
50
HISTORY OF NORWAY
of incorporation that the grant should not be taxed for ten years. In
the meantime several pioneers had settled upon the tract and made
extensive clearings, and in the autumn of 1797, the selectmen of the
town had laid out a town road to near the vicinity of the present
school-house on the east side of the lake, to accommodate the people
in that section. There were a few settlers farther away, who had
bridle paths from the end of this road to their habitations.
In 1804, Aaron Wilkins ran out a lot for Jacob Tubbs, the settler
on the height of land in the vicinity of the end of the town road, and
an agreement was made then or before for the conveyance by Lee to
Tubbs of 200 acres for $1200, to be paid in one, two and three years,
Tubbs giving his notes, and Lee giving a bond to convey the lot to
Tubbs upon payment of the notes. Lee stated in a petition to the
General Court, May 20, 1808, that Tubbs had paid and that he had
Arthur Lee
AMERICAN COMMISSIONER
TO GREAT BRITAIN
contracted with a citizen of Massachusetts to convey the remainder
of the tract to him, but a doubt as to the validity of the execution of
the will having arisen, he asked that a special act be passed permitting
the will to pass the grant to him. The Legislature refused to grant
the petition, concluding no doubt which is a general principle of law
that whatever the instrument under the law of the locality where it is
made is a legal document anywhere in the world. Lee also stated in
his petition, which is very important for us to note, that he had “de¬
voted his care and attention to the preservation and improvement of
the said estate,” and had “also employed agents for these purposes,”
and had “paid such taxes as have been imposed thereon.” This peti¬
tion was made without doubt at the instigation of the citizen (Edward
Little, presumably) to whom Lee had contracted to convey the rest of
the grant after Jacob Tubbs had received his deed. We may fairly
conclude that at that time all the settlers on the tract except Tubbs
were in possession of their lots under leases as tenants, and had been
for some years — how many is a matter of conjecture.
Matters in the grant went on much the same as before — Tubbs
holding under his bond, for a conveyance after his notes were paid.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
51
Finally on the 7th day of May, 1810, two years at least after he was
entitled to receive it, Tubbs obtained his indenture of conveyance
from Francis Lightfoot Lee. In February (25th), 1812, for $5000,
Francis Lightfoot Lee sold the remaining part of the grant by quit
claim deed to Ludwell Lee, without any reservations of the settlers’
holdings, and three days after Ludwell Lee and his wife, Eliza Lee,
conveyed the same by warranty deed to Edward Little of Newbury-
port, Mass., for $9000 — covenanting to warrant and defend the same
against the claims of their heirs, and also of all persons claiming
under Arthur Lee and his heirs. In this conveyance, the tenants on
the tract were protected in their leases for that year.
These two deeds coming so near together and from such terms as
they contained, we may reasonably assume to be a part of one trans¬
action whereby Edward Little, for some reason not now apparent,
could obtain what he considered a better title than by a conveyance
from Francis Lightfoot Lee, and was willing to pay $4000 more for
it; yet Tubbs’ title from Lightfoot Lee stood the test of time and was
never questioned.
It will be noted that the settlers were holding under yearly leases —
a very poor and uncertain tenure and one not conducive to much im¬
provements, particularly respecting habitations.
After Edward Little came into possession, he sold to the tenants
the lots they were occupying, taking back mortgages for the same
amount generally, as the purchase price. From this time there was
general improvement in the settlers’ conditions. They repaired their
habitations or built new, and extended their clearings. New settlers
moved in and took up lots, and after some years, this portion of the
town became quite prosperous, but it was many years before it had
recovered from the blighting effect of its tenancy period.
Surprise has been expressed that the General Court’s committee
did not lay out the grant to Lee of what aferwards became Rust’s
purchase on which there were several good water powers. The grant
to Lee was not located till late in the autumn of 1785, and before
that date, James Stinchfield and perhaps Captain Rust had already
begun negotiations for the tract that the latter afterward obtained.
The first settler according to tradition on the Lee’s Grant was
William Gardner, in 1791, who was in No. 4 (Paris) when the
United States census was taken in 1790, and had come into Rustfield
that year and built a house on the northeasterly corner of what is
now Main and Whitman streets in Norway Village. He selected a
lot for a habitation on the hill north of the Anthony and Nathaniel
Bennett lots. It was reached from the mills by a path or trail up
what is now Pleasant Street and across the swamp and over the
ridge and up the hill to the Gardner opening. We do not know how
long he lived there. The grant nor the people upon it could be taxed
prior to 1807. No tax list contains William Gardner’s name. And
we know in general, that the family didn’t prosper and that two of
the daughters, Nancy and Betty, died on the town farm.
Daniel Knight, originally from Gray, was the second settler on
the grant. It may well be inferred from his connection with Gardner,
as elsewhere related, that they planned to take up adjoining lots there
at the same time, and did so. After living a few years on this lot, he
52
HISTORY OF NORWAY
sold his interest or improvements to Jeremiah Witham from New
Gloucester, and went to live on a lot on the North Pond — later the
Moses Parsons place — where he was living as a tenant of Francis
Lightfoot Lee, when Edward Little purchased the grant. Little gave
Knight a deed of the lot, January 1, 1813— presumably when his
lease had expired — for $412, and took back a mortgage for the same
sum. Six years after, not having met his payments, Knight recon¬
veyed to Little and went to live on a lot on what has since been
called “Crockett Ridge” — which his grandson, William Knight, paid
for — where he lived the remaining years of his life. Daniel Knight
was born about 1760. He served in the Revolution during the latter
part of the war and was pensioned under the Act of Congress of
March 18, 1818. He married Sarah Dolly of Gray. Daniel Knight
always cherished with pride the old gun he had carried in the war.
After he was pensioned he dressed in “buff and blue” whenever he
went away from home. When in the village he was always an object
of much interest and curiosity from his erect carriage, soldierly ap¬
pearance and manner of dress. From the Pension Department at
Washington, D. C., the writer ascertained that he died January 31,
1853, aged 93. He was probably buried on Pike’s Hill in an un¬
marked grave beside his wife who died December 20, 1836, aged 76,
and was buried there. It has been related elsewhere how Daniel
Cary attempted to make a settlement on the grant in 1791, and his
untimely end. The story need not be repeated here.
Isaac Cummings from Gray appears to have succeeded William
Gardner in his possession of the lot on Lee’s Grant, which Gardner
had taken up. Just at what time this was, is uncertain. He lived
there a few years and sold his improvements to Capt. Josiah Bartlett,
and went to live with his son in that part of the grant which was
afterwards and still is known as the Millett neighborhood.
Isaac Cummings was one of the founders of the Universalist
Church society. He had served as a fifer in the Revolution and was
born in Gray, November 22, 1758. His wife was Elizabeth Bryant.
They had fourteen children and at the time of their deaths — his,
October 1, 1842, and hers, February 3, 1843— they had 103 grand¬
children and 57 great grand-children. Both are buried at West
Poland, where they probably died, at their daughter’s.
Capt. Josiah Bartlett, who succeeded Isaac Cummings, had settled
on the tract before the incorporation of the town. He was there on
the 3rd day of April, 1796, when he made a certificate as one of the
inhabitants of Lee’s Grant, that he had received notice of the petition
for the incorporation of a town from the tracts of Rustfield, Lee’s
Grant, Cummings Purchase and the Waterford Three Tiers.
He was without question, the most prominent and the ablest of the
residents of the section where he lived. Captain Bartlett had served
a short period in the Revolution, was a descendant of the Pilgrims,
and was born in Plymouth, Mass., in 1753. He obtained his title of
Captain from his service in the merchant marine and had made sev¬
eral voyages to the West Indies. Leaving the sea, he turned his at¬
tention to acquiring a farm and came to Maine with his family and
selected the ridge north of Nathaniel Bennett’s on the Lee’s Grant as
before mentioned, as a desirable place to locate. He had married
HISTORY OF NORWAY
53
Martha Holmes, and probably all or nearly all of their nine children
were born prior to their coming here. Captain Bartlett was of
medium height, and well formed. He was somewhat reserved unless
aroused, when he was prompt to resent, what he considered an insult,
or an injury.
It is related that one day on his way home from the Mills, he
met his nearest neighbor south of his place, near the school house,
then located on the ridge west of the swamp. The Captain was on
horseback and had a grist of meal which had been ground, and some
groceries he had purchased, and was carrying home to his family.
The neighbor was on foot. He was a federalist like nearly all of the
influential men of that period and set in his views on political and
religious subjects, while Captain Bartlett was a republican. He had
purchased his lot of Captain Rust, the proprietor, and paid for it, and
he didn’t look with favor upon one who was occupying land upon
which he had no legal rights. They got into a discussion on some
political question of the day, and as is often the case, after a heated
argument in which neither convinced the other, descended to person¬
alities, and Captain Bartlett was accused of being a “squatter.” He
replied that he had only taken the place of another by buying his im¬
provements; had made, during his own occupancy, the premises more
valuable, and was ready to make a fair settlement when the rightful
owner came to demand it. The controversy became very animated
and hot, and charges of one kind and another flew thick and fast
back and forth between the disputants. While gesticulating ex¬
citedly, the federalist advanced towards his republican neighbor, who
taking it for granted that he intended to strike him, and willing and
eager to meet the expected attack, leaped quickly from his horse,
which, startled at the sudden movement, kicked up its heels and
started olf upon the run for the barn, some quarter of a mile dis¬
tant. The bag of meal, and groceries, which included a jug of
molasses, were shaken off and strewn by the wayside. This unex¬
pected turn to the affair, caused Captain Bartlett to suddenly change
his purpose and he ^an to gather up what of the articles had not been
destroyed. His neighbor, too, was as anxious and as active as him¬
self to save what was possible. Fortunately little damage was done,
save the cracking of the jug containing the molasses. The solicitude
of his neighbor to secure the things without injury, turned away the
Captain’s wrath, and pulling from his pocket a flask of spirits which
he had procured at the Mills, offered a drink to his antagonist with
this remark: “Neighbor, it is foolish for you and me to quarrel. We
have had nothing whatever to do about making the laws, and precious
little with their enforcement. Let us drink and be friends.” “With
all my heart, Captain,” replied the other. “It is well that your run¬
away horse has prevented our coming to blows, and I am glad your
family will lose nothing by our hasty and inconsiderate controversy.
I drink to your health and our continued friendship as neighbors.”
And thereupon over a bottle of New England rum, their friendship
was renewed, and it was never afterwards shaken. Each had realized
in this altercation of words, that there was a limit beyond which it
was unsafe to go, if he would avoid serious consequences. It isn’t
54
HISTORY OF NORWAY
often that, as in this instance, a quarrel is settled over a bottle of
liquor, but very frequently, one has originated in that way.
It is uncertain just at what time Captain Bartlett died. His son,
Malachi, sold the place on which they had lived, to Daniel Smith in
1824, and removed into the eastern part of Maine. He undoubtedly
died before 1820. There is no mention of him in Mrs. Mercy A.
Whitman’s record of deaths, which was commenced in 1820. The fol¬
lowing item apparently refers to Captain Bartlett's widow: (1822)
“May 7, Widow Bartlett, 65, apoplexy.” Probably both were buried
on Pike’s Hill. Graves unmarked.
Jacob Tubbs came here about 1795 .from Hebron, and settled on
what is now the Albert Richardson place. His dealings with the
owner of the tract have been fully set forth in the first part of this
chapter. He was a Revolutionary soldier. His wife was Jemima
Churchill. They had six children — all born before they came here.
The oldest, Jacob Jr., died in the War of 1812. Charles, the second
son, married Lydia Churchill, and died July 12, 1849, aged 68.
Angier, the third son, born Jan. 18, 1785, married Philena Packard,
and lived to be aged. Samuel the youngest son, born in 1793, mar¬
ried Mary Pool. They removed to Abbot, Maine. They had only one
child, a daughter, who died, unmarried. Jacob Tubbs went with his
son, Samuel, to Abbot and died there.
Joshua Pool, the post rider, was a soldier of the Revolution and a
settler on the Lee’s Grant in 1797. He was born in Bridgewater in
1762, was the son of Joshua Pool, who died at E. Bridgewater in
1822, aged 88. His wife was Lucinda, daughter of Thomas Latham.
They had a family of fourteen children. Three moved to Abbot and
two to Monson. Several settled in Greenwood and Woodstock. The
lot on which he lived here appears to have been the one that Daniel
Cary was occupying, near the now four corners, at the time he
was drowned. His second son, Thomas Pool, Jr., who married the
daughter of Isaac Cobb before mentioned, then a settler on the same
lot with Joshua Pool and his successor in occupancy, died in Abbot,
Me., in 1883, at the age of 96. This fixes the date of his birth — the
only one in the family which can any more than be approximated —
as in the year 1787. Isaac Cobb received a deed of this lot, being
the southerly half of Lot 28, for the consideration named of $510,
October 9, 1812. He appears not to have paid for it, and removed
elsewhere. How long the joint occupancy of Pool and Cobb lasted,
there is no means of knowing. Pool became a post rider for a few
years, and then or later, made his permanent home in Greenwood till
his death, August 23, 1844, at the age of 82. The principal interest in
his history centers in the period of his life as a post rider. One of
the most traveled routes into Greenwood in those times from Norway
Village, was through the Lee’s Grant, over what in later years and
is now called Upton Ridge, and it passed Pool’s place wherever it was.
There is a tradition that Pool was a maker of almanacs, which he
sold to patrons on his post route. He rode horseback and carried
the mail in saddle bags. In all probability he was only a dealer in
the almanacs he carried for sale at about the beginning of a new
year. But from the stories which have come down to us, he was
quite intelligent, a close observer of the planets and different phases
HISTORY OF NORWAY
55
of the moon — then much more than now supposed to have great in¬
fluence over human affairs, — and growth of plants, and watched so
closely all atmospheric changes that it was generally believed he was
able not only to predict the changes in the weather but also to fore¬
tell the coming of disasters and calamities. His advice and counsel
were sought on every hand which he skilfully used for his own advan¬
tage.
There was one of the settlers it appears, however, who had no
faith in even the almanac dealer’s weather predictions. The story
runs, that one morning in haying time, this weather prophet, soon
after starting out on his post route, noticed a farmer in his door-yard,
anxiously gazing at the somewhat clouded heavens, as if in doubt
whether it was going to rain or shine.
“My good man,” said he, “are you in doubt about the weather?”
“Certainly I am,” was the reply. The other went on: “The Good
Book says, he who observes the winds will not sow, and the clouds,
shall not reap. It will break up before noon and the sun will be out.”
Thereupon he chirruped to his horse and rode off at a gallop. Soon
missing something he had dropped, he turned and rode back to look
for it, whereupon seeing the farmer he had accosted a short time be¬
fore busily preparing for the hayfield, remarked: “Ah, my friend, I
see you have taken my advice, and are getting ready to go into your
field and cut down more grass.”
“Yes, by the Great George Washington, I am about to go into my
hay field,” retorted the farmer with some asperity, “not to cut down
more grass, but to get in what hay is bunched up, for I have noticed
that when you predict fair weather, it generally rains.”
What response the post rider and weather phophet made to this
has not come down to us. The late Rollin Towne, who had heard the
story related many times by old residents in his section of the town,
in his boyhood, told it to the writer, and laughed heartily as he fur¬
ther said that the farmer saved his hay from getting wet, for a big
shower came up in the afternoon, during which the rain fell in
torrents.
56
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER IX.
Pioneer Period of the Waterford Three Tiers.
In 1735, the General Court of Massachusetts granted to John
Whitman and others, sufferers in the Indian wars, a township six
miles square to be laid out, in unappropriated lands of the Common¬
wealth, between the Connecticut and Merrimac Rivers. After con¬
siderable expense in efforts to settle the township, making roads,
erecting mills etc., it was ascertained that the grant was within the
boundaries of New Hampshire, and in 1774, John Gardner and others
representing the first grantees, obtained a township of the same size
in the District of Maine, in lieu of the former grant. The tract when
surveyed was laid out in York and Cumberland counties, and after¬
wards received the name of Waterford Plantation. The line from a
point on Bridgton township ran, “N. & W. on a true course as far
as the utmost limits of the Province,” which would divide Waterford
Plantation on nearly the westerly line of the Waterford three tiers
of lots which Norway obtained. And we find that when the United
States census of 1790 was taken, two lists of the settlers in the plan¬
tation were sent to Washington, one by the York enumerator and
the other by the enumerator for Cumberland county. These lists
were not exactly alike. The first had the names of 31 heads of
families and the last 36. There are eight names in the Cumberland
county list not in the York county list and the latter had three
not in the other. The enumerators seem not to have been governed
by county lines (if they really knew them), but each apparently took
all the heads of families in the whole plantation.
It may be said here that the original titles to the settlers lots
were derived from the grantees of 1774.
It was provided in the act creating the grant that the grantees
should settle 30 families in the township within six years, “lay out
1/64 part for the use of the first settled minister, 1/64 part for a
grammar school, and 1/64 part for Harvard College.”
The inhabitants of the plantation when about to petition the
Legislature to be incorporated as a town, got into a controversy over
the location of the meeting house which was also to be its town house,
and to get it where the majority wanted it, they hit upon the plan that
the three eastern ranges or tiers of lots should be annexed to the
Cummings Purchase. Phinehas Whitney, one of the settlers on the
Three Tiers, opposed the scheme but Asa Case, Benjamin Flint,
Darius Holt and Lemuel Shedd were apparently willing to have the
tract so disposed of and this plan finally prevailed and the three
ranges became a part of the town of Norway.
It was provided in the act, incorporating the town of Norway,
that Waterford, which had a few days before been incorporated as
a town, should be entitled to four-fifths of all the public lots on the
Three Tiers. There were four public lots on this tract. Lot 15,
Range 14 was a ministerial lot. It afterwards sold for $51. Lot 9,
Range 16, was a school lot, and two were college lots.
It would seem but simple justice as Waterford had thrown away
three ranges of lots, that it should not have had any benefit from
HISTORY OF NORWAY
57
the public lots, on this tract, but that the people settling on it should
have had it for the purpose of maintaining a place of worship and
schools, but unfortunately, justice and equity did not and does not
always rule in such matters.
According to tradition, Lemuel Shedd and Jonathan Stickney
from Lunenburg, were the first settlers on the tract afterwards called
the Waterford Three Tiers. They began felling trees for their clear¬
ings in 1788. They came into the plantation by way of Bridgton, and
no doubt dealt with some of the proprietors for the purchase of their
lots. As stated elsewhere they were there without families when the
census was taken in 1790, and Stickney was regarded as the princi¬
pal one of the two men, probably from the fact of Shedd staying with
him and perhaps he may have been older. Shedd was a Revolution¬
ary soldier and probably Stickney was too, for all of military age —
from 16 to 45, unless incapacitated, served either in the militia or
army or both. Stickney exchanged his lot in June, 1793, with Benja¬
min Flint, who had become a settler on the tract the year before, and
after a time went elsewhere.
Phinehas Whitney in 1789, came from Harvard and settled on the
tract west of Lemuel Shedd’s lot. He, no doubt, came as Shedd and
Stickney had done, dealing with some of the proprietors — perhaps
those then living in the plantation, Dr. Stephen Cummings, clerk of
the grantees, Eli Longley, and John Chamberlain. If I am not in
error, Shedd obtained his deed from Chamberlain.
We have not the date of Lemuel Shedd’s birth, but he was about
30 years of age when he came to Maine. He was “accidentally
killed” in 1818, while assisting in the raising of the frame to a house
for his son, and was buried in a burying lot near his farm on the
westerly side of the road leading over Merrill Hill into Albany. On
his gravestone it states that he died at 60 years of age.
Phinehas Whitney was born about 1748, and married Keziah -
- . He served in the Revolutionary War, and was at Bunker
Hill. He lived and died on the farm he had wrought from the wil¬
derness, and was buried on Merrill Hill. His death took place in
June, 1830, “aged 82.” His wife died June 26, 1827, of “old age.”
Benjamin Flint, born in Reading, October 21, 1769, married Eliza¬
beth Merrill. He settled first in the south-west part of the tract,
which section since Sylvanus Cobb, Jr.’s time, has been known as
“Yagger” — a name quite likely to be lasting. He afterwards ex¬
changed lot with Jonathan Stickney. The date of his death is un¬
known. His wife died October 11, 1836, “aged 70.”
In 1792 or 1793, Jonathan Holman began a settlement on this
tract east of the lot Benjamin Flint first took up. He was there a
few years, then sold out to Asa Lovejoy and went away.
Asa Lovejoy from Andover, born about 1750, married Sarah Frye
of the same town. They had eleven children. He was a Minute Man,
and a soldier in the War of the Revolution. His wife died in 1817,
and he married a second wife and had one child. He died in Bethel
in 1835.
Asa Case’s family was moved from Middleton to the Cummings
Purchase, as we have seen by Benjamin Fuller, in an ox-cart, in 1793.
He soon after selected a lot on the Waterford Three Tiers, on which
58
HISTORY OF NORWAY
he settled. He was a soldier in the Revolution. He died in 1797.
His wife died July 29, 1825, “aged 90.”
Joseph Dale, who had come to the Cummings Purchase to work
for Benjamin Fuller and Silas Merriam, after a short time selected
a lot for a settlement on the Waterford Three Tiers and married
Phebe Martin of Andover. The place iwas on the old road from
Norway Center into the southwest section of the tract. That part
of this way west of the Waterford road, was discontinued when the
present road into “Yagger” was built. The outlines of the old road
are still plainly to be seen. Joseph Dale was a soldier in the War
of 1812 and contracted a disease while in the service from which he
died at home after his discharge in 1814, leaving a widow and several
small children. It is presumable that she obtained a pension to
help her in bringing up her family. She appears from what has come
down to us, to have been a very capable woman.
Darius Holt was a settler on the Waterford Three Tiers in 1795.
His biographical sketch appears elsewhere.
Joel Frost from Tewksbury, was here as a settler in the vicinity
of what is now the Chapel on the Three Tiers, in 1796, and probably
came here the year before. He had no known relationship with the
Frosts who settled on “Phillips Gore,” now the southwest part of
Norway. He was born August 1, 1773. His wife was Susannah
Fowler, born about 1776. They had twelve children. He was living
when the census was taken in 1850, aged 77. She died April 25, 1840,
•aged 64.”
HISTORY OF NORWAY
59
CHAPTER X.
Pioneer Period of Phillips Gore.
The tract denominated “Phillips Gore,” in the act of incorpora¬
tion of Norway, was so called for Hon. Samuel Phillips, Jr., of
Andover, who was chairman of the Committee of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts for the sale of Eastern lands, when Henry Rust
and Jonathan Cummings acquired their tracts. He owned, about
1780, an interest there but how much is uncertain.
It was annexed to Norway in 1821, nearly 25 years after the
town was incorporated. It has been said that the tract was left out
by mistake at that time, but this is not warranted by the proceedings.
In the petition for incorporation, the petitioners were very particular
to describe the bounds of every tract they wished to be included in
the new town and specifically set forth that they desired about 1000
acres on the north, making a straight line on that side from Paris
to Waterford, and they asked for this on the ground that there were
no public lands for the first settled minister nor for schools, and
that this strip might be awarded for such purposes. But they did
not get it. Had they desired Phillips Gore it would seem that some
mention of it would have been made, and they well understood that
it was best not to ask for too much. When the tract had become set¬
tled up, and the inhabitants desired to belong to a town, rather than
remain as they were, they began the agitation to be annexed to Nor¬
way, which was done in 1821, apparently with no opposition.
John Greeley, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who was at
Valley Forge, was the earliest settler on the Gore which the author
has been able to trace. He purchased his lot of Samuel Phillips, Jr.,
and afterwards (1799) sold it to Edward Scribner, agreeing to vacate
before June, 1800. It is not known how long Scribner lived there.
John Greeley married in September, 1773, Elizabeth Thompson.
After the sale to Scribner he moved into Hebron, now Oxford, and
died there. His name is perpetuated in Greeley Brook.
Captain Jonathan Sawyer of Gorham, who had obtained his mili¬
tary title in the War of the Revolution, lived for a period late in life
on Phillips Gore. He was born October 22, 1736, and married Martha
Rich in 1763. They had 11 children. While on a visit to Gorham in
November, 1789, he died. His widow died in Otisfield, August
13, 1813.
David Frost, born in Gorham in 1742, who had married Mary
Johnson, born in Stroudwater, of Irish parents, in 1745, settled with
his family, before 1800, on land of Andrew Craigie, which has been
known for so long a time “that the memory of man runneth not to
the contrary” as Allen Hill, and while there he and his boys operated
the mills at what is now Oxford Village, then called “Craigie’s Mills.”
When Craigie came to see what a fine location it was he refused to
deed to Frost. Some arrangements were made between the parties
and Frost sought a home elsewhere. In 'this emergency, Barney
Sawyer, a noted hunter living in Otisfield, turned up and told of a
region on Phillips Gore, where the soil was strong and fertile,
with springs of fine water and a view unrivalled. Also that it was
60
HISTORY OF NORWAY
near a hunter’s paradise. Thereupon, in 1801, Sawyer piloted David
Frost, his son John, then unmarried, Samuel Andrews, a young man
who afterwards married David Frost’s daughter, Eunice, and Moses
Gammon who had been a soldier in the Revolution, into the region.
Frost found it all that Sawyer had claimed it to be. Some 70 rods
or more north of the summit of the highest hill, the elder Frost dis¬
covered a spring of pure water and decided to locate near it. It is
what has been known for many years as the Eliab Frost place.
Andrews and Gammon subsequently selected lots for settlement in
the same vicinity. John Frost, the oldest son, set about the clearing
up of the lot. The next year (1802) he built a log house.. He married
Jane Richmond and moved into their habitation in 1803. Robert,
Peter and William Frost, younger brothers of John, settled in the
same vicinity. The high elevation of land there has since been called
Frost Hill. The father, David, and (his wife, appear to have lived
with their sons, and principally with John the oldest. He died, March
12, 1826, “aged 83,” and his widow died May 15, 1832, “aged 87.”
They were interred near in the Frost Hill burying ground. John
Frost died December 29, 1845, “aged 76.” His wife died June 16, 1846,
“aged 66.”
Robert Frost, born in Gorham, March 25, 1782, married Betsy,
daughter of Joseph Jordan of Otisfield, born February 26, 1789.
Jordan appears to have lived afterwards on Phillips Gore. The lot
Robert Frost selected is the present Roswell Frost farm. Robert
afterwards exchanged it for his brother William’s lot on the top of
the hill where “Squire David” Frost later lived and died. Robert
Frost died March 12, 1868. His wife died in December, 1870. They
are buried on Pike’s Hill.
Peter Frost, born in Gorham, April 26, 1788, married Sarah,
daughter of Samuel Perkins, the Revolutionary soldier. His lot is the
farm where his son Samuel Perkins Frost lived and died. It is now
owned by the latter’s son, Fred S. Frost. Peter Frost died in Otis¬
field, April 8, 1857, aged nearly 69.
William Frost, born in Gorham, October 24, 1790, married for his
first wife, Polly, daughter of Joel Stevens, the Revolutionary soldier.
He was five times married. His original lot was on the very top of
Frost Hill but he exchanged it with his brother, Robert, as related.
He died July 11, 1865.
Samuel Andrews, born “Down East,” February 8, 1771, married
Eunice, a sister of the Frost brothers mentioned. She was born
December 25, 1779. They had 11 children. After living on Phillips
Gore till about 1812, the family removed to Otisfield.
Moses Gammon, born about 1750, served in the Continental Army
and was at Valley Forge. He was pensioned under Act of Congress
of March 18, 1818, under certificate No. 7989. In 1819, he was living
in Hebron. He stated in an affidavit made in court, June 15, 1820,
that he served in “Capt. Joseph Brown’s Company of Colonel Timothy
Bigelow’s Regiment of the Massachusetts Line on the Continental
Establishment,” and that he was 70 years old; his wife, Silence, was
75, and daughter, Elsy, 35 — ‘a bill of expense by reason of fits and
derangement.” Gammon had also served in Col. Edmund Phinney’s
31st Regiment of Foot. He appears to have lived on Phillips Gore
HISTORY OF NORWAY
61
some dozen or more years. He died on Allen Hill, Oxford, at the
home of his son, Moses, May 16, 1835, “aged 85.”
Enoch Frost, a younger brother of David, born in Gorham, about
1750, married in 1780, Alice, daughter of Prince and Sarah (Colman)
Davis, and came to Frost Hill in 1812, to live with Samuel Lord who
had married his daughter, Mary. He was a corporal in Captain
Hart Williams’ Company of Colonel Edmund Phinney’s 31st Regiment
of Foot, enlisting April 24, 1775, and discharged at Cambridge,
January 1, 1776. He also served about three months as Sergeant
Major in Colonel Jonathan Mitchell’s Regiment in the disastrous
Penobscot Expedition of 1779, and his pay was 30£, — about $150. At
that time, he was a trader in Gorham. In 1783, he was one of the
three members of the Committee of Safety for Gorham. He died in
April, 1813, and was the first adult person to be buried in the burying
ground on Frost Hill. His grave is now marked with a government
headstone, procured by the writer.
The records of the Norway South military company show that
between 1809, when it was first organized, and 1816, the four Frost
brothers, Samuel Andrews, Moses Gammon and two sons, Samuel
Lord and Benjamin and Samuel Jordan, sons of Joseph Jordan, were
members. As the Jordan brothers, at the time their names first
appear on the roll, had no families of their own, it is possible
that Joseph Jordan was living on Phillips Gore at that time. He was
born about 1750, and perhaps had served in the Continental Army.
In the Norway U. S. Direct Tax Assessment of 1816, we find the
names of John, Robert and William Frost, Samuel Lord and Barnabas
Sawyer, residents of Phillips Gore.
It is stated that there were five families on this tract in 1821, at
the time of its annexation to Norway, viz.: “John Pike, Jr., Benjamin
Jordan, William Frost, Robert Frost and Zachariah Weston.” But
John and Peter Frost and Samuel Lord, with their families must also
have been living there at that time.
A Benjamin Farrington is said to have lived at one time on Phil¬
lips Gore. His daughter, Sally, married John Greeley, Jr., in 1819.
62
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XI.
Pioneer Life.
The earliest settlers were fortunate in having to live for only a
short period in their wilderness homes, before mills were built. From
all accounts these mills were very good ones for that period and
ample for all purposes for many years. Their erection put the
question of any suffering from lack of means by which the settlers’
corn and grain could be ground, beyond question, so that the essen¬
tial thing resolved itself into the matter of the raising of sufficient
crops to supply their needs. And through all of the period from the
first settlement to the incorporation of the town — ten years, no ac¬
count of any general failure of crops has come down to us. In this
they were very fortunate indeed. We have very little mention of
actual suffering from lack of sufficient food, and of this in but very
few instances, arising from some misfortune like that of Nathaniel
Stevens having broken a leg, which prevented him from doing as
much planting and caring for his crops as he had intended. But his
good neighbors, as in all such new settlements, turned out to help
him, felled trees to extend his clearing, planted and hoed his growing
crops, harvested them when ripe, and did everything they could to
help the afflicted family. They would not have allowed any one of
their number to suffer for lack of food, if in their power to prevent
it. It would do them great injustice to assume anything to the
contrary.
It is to be presumed that those of the early settlers, who had
families previous to coming here, had some possessions, and some
means of obtaining a subsistence, till they could clear up a sufficient
acreage and bring it into a state of productiveness. They could not
rely entirely on the hazard of bountiful crops, aided by game from the
forests and fish in the streams and ponds, and berries in scattered
sections in their season, though these were of great assistance.
They could not do without salt, molasses, or some kind of sweetening,
nor long without milk, butter and pork. We are not to assume be¬
cause these articles are not mentioned, in the story of their lives
during this period, that they did not have them, but rather the con¬
trary, for it was when in want of such things, and they were
only obtained with great difficulty, that we learn in part how they
lived.
Swine and cattle must have come with the earliest settlers, and
we learn in two instances of the loss of a cow, the second year after
their coming. One (that of Jeremiah Hobbs) was the only one in
a family of eight persons,- — a serious loss. The account of the loss
of George Lessley’s cow, states that: “Mrs. Lessley, like a true woman,
preserved the calf by feeding it with gruel and a little milk obtained
from her few but friendly neighbors.” This indicates that the set¬
tlers had cows, and that the Lessleys had more than one, — perhaps
not then giving milk — or the writer, as in the case of Jeremiah Hobbs,
would have stated, that it was his only cow.
Before the mills were built in 1789, the settlers went to Jackson’s
mill on Stony Brook, now in South Paris Village, where Samuel Ames
HISTORY OF NORWAY
63
was the miller, to get their corn, wheat and rye ground. Amos
Hobbs had a half bushel of corn meal, “bag and all,” stolen there.
And we learn,' that one season before the wheat had ripened, grain
was picked from the stocks growing in the field and cooked for food
by Mrs. Lessley. There were doubtless many such cases, espe¬
cially during the two first years, but the fact that so few of such in¬
stances have come down to us, shows that they were exceptions and
not the general condition. With the building of the mills, the set¬
tlers did not have to go far to get their milling done, and soon there¬
after a store was built by Captain Rust, and opened for trade, where
salt, and such articles as they needed could be procured without their
TYPICAL SETTLER S CLEARING
having to go to New Gloucester, Gray, “Stevens Brook,” now Bridg-
ton, or elsewhere for them. They obtained much of their sweeten¬
ing from the sap of the rock maple boiled to the required consist¬
ency, for syi’up or sugar. This was made in the spring of the year,
when the flow of sap in the trees was abundant. We get an idea of
this work, in David Noyes’ account of the coming of Silas Merriam
and others to the Cummings Purchase one spring, when they found
“the few settlers engaged in making maple sugar.” Some of the
settlers had horses and oxen. And we find when the Parsonses and
Herring came to work on their lots in 1787, that they brought with
them, two horses, which afterwards they lost, but found again, late
in the season. Each of the Parsons brothers had an ox, the second
year after their coming, which they worked together, making a
good team. Benjamin Fuller brought horses and oxen, when he came
and Amos Upton had an old white mare which was much used by
the people in the vicinity of Fuller’s Corner, in carrying supplies
from the Mills, and in transporting their pork to market, as far away
in some instances, as Portland.
That the settlers were especially favored with but a short period
of hard pioneer life, seems evident. The great majority of them
became thrifty farmers in a comparatively short time. In two years,
Joseph Stevens, William and John Parsons and perhaps some others
paid for their lots. But they could not well have paid before as the
lots on the Rust tract were not run out till late in the autumn of 1789.
It, however, indicates that these settlers were possessed of sufficient
64
HISTORY OF NORWAY
means to pay for their lots, for it is not to be supposed that they
could in that short time any more than have made a living.
In 1798, the real estate of the inhabitants was valued for the
direct tax of that year. The following shows what the valuation of
some of the earliest settlers’ holdings were and incidentally how they
had prospered, in about their first ten years after coming here:
Jonathan Cummings
$1910
Joseph Stevens
$1300
Nathan Foster
1830
William Parsons
1350
Benjamin Fuller
1420
John Parsons
1260
Jeremiah Hobbs
1130
Jonas Stevens
1010
Nathan Noble
1140
George Lessley
1015
Amos Hobbs
935
Benjamin Herring
1280
Joel Stevens
900
Dudley Pike
1130
This is a remarkable showing, indicating means and thrift, and
in no place in all this region was there quite its equal.
For many years after getting started, the first settlers produced
their bread and meat, and for crops, raised corn, wheat, rye and
sometimes buckwheat. They had swine for their pork and lard which
was essential for almost every kind of cookery, and in the autumn
and winter season, dressed animals were carried to Portland and
exchanged for articles needed in the household. With milk, cream,
butter and cheese after they began to raise grass crops for fodder and
vegetables of all kinds in abundance, the diet of these hardy settlers
was all that could be desired. The head of the household was usually
handy with tools and could make nearly all of the rougher and coarser
articles of wooden ware in the family, and often the boots and shoes,
worn by them. The housewife besides her care of the habitation and
cooking, spun and wove from wool and flax and made the cloth needed
for clothing for the different members of the family. Every house¬
hold was a hive of industry.
It will readily be seen, that the real hardships of pioneer life
consisted in getting along, the best one could, till a sufficient clearing
was made, to grow crops of all kinds and have cows for milk and
butter, swine for pork and lard, and sheep for wool.
But more than all other considerations to us is the character, in¬
dividuality and moral worth of the early settlers. It has been the
custom, when writing of the first beginnings of our townships, to
dwell at length upon the struggles the first comers had to make; the
fortitude they displayed in subduing the wilderness; the hardships
they had to endure, and the success of their efforts, after many years
of toil, and this is well, in a measure, yet all these things must needs
be in the work of bringing into a state of productiveness, forest lands.
But there is another very important work that should not be lost
sight of, and that is the forming of communities, under proper regu¬
lations and laws and the establishment of schools and churches. Those
who could be depended upon to do this work, must have themselves
attained a high degree of civilization, and felt its spirit and possessed
the capacity to perform it.
Savages or semi-barbarians could not do it nor would or could a
set of irresponsibles — squatters — having but one purpose, and that to
benefit themselves by the least effort, regardless of the rights of
HISTORY OF NORWAY
65
others. The characteristics of the first settlers of all our Maine
townships, were essentially the same.
They came from long established communities, bringing with them
the customs and habits of civilized life. They brought more than
this — the inheritance of the fierce struggles for over five hundred
years, made for English civil and religious liberty. The blood of the
Pilgrims and Puritans was in their veins, and most of them were
fresh from the battlefields of the Revolution, where American Inde¬
pendence had been secured. All, old and young, felt the spirit of the
times, and turned to their duties, in the new field of effort with a
courage, purpose and resolution, little understood or appreciated to¬
day. They were rich in everything but household goods and property.
They were poor only in their early possessions.
In our conception and estimate of them, their struggle for a
competence, is but an incident pleasurable and satisfying to us their
descendants to be sure, but sinking into insignificance beside their
characteristics — their respect for law and order, their love of home
and country, their individuality and their moral worth.
66
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XII.
Naming the Town.
In 1795, the population on the several tracts, which it was pro¬
posed to form into a town, being large enough for the purpose, efforts
were made to bring it about.
This movement was, however, hastened by the controversy in
Waterford Plantation over the location of the Congregational church
which would also be used as its future town house. This controversy
had progressed so far and become so heated, as elsewhere related,
that it was seriously proposed to get rid of the three easterly ranges
of lots, and have them annexed to the Cummings Purchase in order
to establish its location in the place where the large majority of its
citizens desired it to be.
The opportunity to obtain these lots — (a tract larger than Rust-
field or Lee’s Grant) — towards the formation of a town, was eagerly
seized upon by the leading men of the two principal tracts, and
meetings were held and negotiations entered into with the promoters
of the scheme in Waterford Plantation, which finally ended in its
successful accomplishment.
The next proposition naturally requiring consideration was to
determine what name should be given the town. What took place
regarding it, is uncertain, as nothing whatever relating to this mat¬
ter has come down to us. That it was essential to agree on some
name when the petition for incorporation was ready for presentation
to the Legislature is obvious. It might naturally be supposed, that
the people of the most populous tract, where the mills were situated,
and around which the future village was to be developed, with its
great increase of business, would have desired it to bear the name of
the plantation — Rustfield. Captain Rust does not appear to have
taken any measures to have the new town named for him. Had his
three sons, who afterwards settled in the village, been here then, it
might have been different. There does not appear to have been any
friction between the people of the Cummings Purchase and Rustfield.
Those living on the other tracts were not numerous or very influen¬
tial. It was not strange, however, that they selected a name other
than any one given to any of the tracts, but it is a mystery why the
name suggested in the petition for incorporation should have been
chosen. The petition bore the date of November 26, 1795. Twenty-
two residents of Rustfield signed it, eight from the Cummings Pur¬
chase, five from the Waterford Three Tiers, and one from Lee’s Grant,
and they requested that the new town be called “Norage.”
On the 19th of December, 1795, forty citizens of Waterford Plan¬
tation petitioned that with the exception of the three easterly ranges
of lots which they asked to be annexed to Cummings Purchase be
incorporated into a town by the name of Waterford. Phinehas Whit¬
ney was one of the signers, doubtless thinking then that his farm was
not on the tract left out.
Both petitions were presented to the Legislature at its winter ses¬
sion of 1796. Nothing was done at that time except to refer the
petitions to committees to hear the parties in interest and report. It
HISTORY OF NORWAY
67
had occurred to the leading spirits in favor of the incorporation of a
new town here that a slice of land could be obtained out of what is
now the town of Greenwood, making a straight line on the northern
boundary of the new town, a part of which could be treated as public
lots, for schools, and the ministry, and a second petition to the Gen¬
eral Court was signed, under date of May 10, 1796. This proposition
came to naught, however, and has no bearing on the matter of the
naming of the town.
It is to be presumed that by the time the Legislature was ready to
act on both petitions (under the circumstances they had to be con¬
sidered together), at the winter session of 1797, all difficulties had
been pretty satisfactorily adjusted, and on the second day of March,
the town of Waterford without the three easterly ranges of lots, was
incorporated.
Seven days after, Rustfield, the Cummings’ Purchase, Lee’s Grant
and the Waterford Three Tiers, were incorporated into a town by the
name of Norway. But why this name which was not asked for in the
petitions? Williamson in his History of Maine, states that it was
obviously taken from the country of that name in Europe. But there
were no settlers here from Norway and no one who cared particularly
to honor it with the name of the new town. It seems quite certain
that it was suggested by the name the petitioners requested to be
given it. What reasonable explanation can be given for the meaning
of “Norage?” It is clearly a misspelling no matter what its signifi¬
cance. There are two explanations. The old English pronunciation
of Norwich is as if spelled, Norridge, and it has been urged that this
is what the petitioners meant, though whoever drew the petition
spelled it incorrectly. There was ample time to find out what was in¬
tended and to correct the error. But the suggestion faces the propo¬
sition, that no one of the early settlers came from any Norwich, and
could not be interested enough to care to honor any place he was not
acquainted with, by calling the town by it. And there is the further
consideration that there was no other town of that name in the Dis¬
trict of Maine. The General Court could therefore have had no ob¬
jection to giving the new town the name of Norwich.
There is another explanation that seems to have much weight.
Norridge is the Indian name for falls. At the lower end of the vil¬
lage, are the Steep Falls. These falls at that period, presented the
most striking feature in all the country round about, particularly at
a freshet pitch of the water. This may have been what was meant,
but nothing has come down to us to render the matter certain.
It seems quite sure, however, that “Norage” in the petition for
the incorporation of the town, suggested the name of Norway.
68
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XIII.
Annals from 1796 to 1826.
1797
The first town meeting after the incorporation in March, 1797,
was held at the house of Job Eastman or Jonathan Cummings, near
the center of the town. Joshua Smith was chosen clerk, Job East¬
man, treasurer, Ebenezer Whitmarsh, constable and collector, and Job
Eastman, Benjamin Witt and Joseph Stevens, selectmen and asses¬
sors. At that time there were 79 heads of families subject to taxa¬
tion and seven young men between 16 and 21 years of age, who were
required to pay a poll-tax of $1.60.— In September, Rev. Paul Coffin
of Buxton, a Congregational preacher, made a missionary tour into
this section. He preached at Captain Rust’s, on the hill, to about 100
people. Captain Rust, who with his wife, happened to be here, took
him in his chaise to Paris, where they heard him deliver two sermons.
Coffin stated in his Journal that they treated him “with great gener¬
osity.” — Grasshoppers were so numerous that year as to damage the
crops.
1798
Same town officers elected. The tax-payers had increased to 95.
The real and personal estate for taxation purposes were valued at
$21,119.— A “minister” tax of $42 was asseessed this year. The poll
tax’ for this assessment was $0.17.— Job Eastman was commissioned
a Justice of the Peace, the first one in town. He held the office foi
nearly 50 years.
1799
Job Eastman was elected clerk, an office to which he was annually
re-elected till 1843, when he was 93 years old. Joseph Stevens had
given place to Joshua Smith on the board of selectmen.— John Parsons
lost his new house by fire in January. With the help of his neigh¬
bors, another was built into which he moved his family before plant¬
ing time.
1800
The population of Norway as taken by the United States census
enumerator, was 609, an increase during ten years of about 500.
There were 115 taxable polls, 57 frame houses and 47 barns. — The
first military company was organized with Jonathan Cummings as
Captain, Anthony Bennett, Lieutenant, and William Reed, Ensign. —
In July, there was a very heavy thunder shower, accompanied by a
high wind, which passed over Fuller’s Corner. It struck the house
of Amos Upton, knocking down by the shock and rendering insensible
for a time, Mr. Ward Noyes, one of the new settlers of that year,
who was staying there till his own house could be built. Large tracts
of forest trees were blown down by the terrific wind. — School house
built in the Parsons district.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
69
1801
William Hobbs, son of Jeremiah, the pioneer, was chosen constable
and tax collector, at the annual meeting.— Bailey Bodwell from
Methuen, built clothing works on stream below second bridge in the
village. — A post office was established at Rust’s Mills, and William
Reed appointed Postmaster, an office he held for 40 years. Jacob
Howe was the first Post Rider, or mail carrier here.— Amos Upton
erected a grist mill on the small stream flowing through the valley
about a mile west of Fuller’s Corner. He cut the millstones and did
all the work himself.— Phinehas Whitney, living on the Waterford
Three Tiers, lost his log house by fire.
1802
Captain Joseph Rust, son of Captain Henry Rust, the proprietor
of Rustfield, became a permanent resident of Norway some time dur¬
ing the year and began building the house on the corner of what is
now Main and Pleasant Streets.— There were 65 frame houses to be
taxed this year and 55 barns. — Joel Frost, in May, lost his bam by
fire. His farm was on the “Waterford Three Tiers,” west of what is
now the four corners near the chapel, on the old Waterford road.
William Hobbs went into trade at Norway Center. — Benjamin Tucker
came here from Worcester, and began business for himself as a har¬
ness maker. _ The first regimental muster in the county was held m
the village late in the autumn. The companies were from Norway,
Paris, Otisfield, Hebron, Buckfield and Rumford. Levi Hubbard of
Paris, was Colonel of the regiment, Mark Andrews of Buckfield and
William Livermore of Livermore, Majors, and Wm. C. Whitney, then
of Hebron, Adjutant. Jonathan Cummings was Captain of the Nor¬
way company, Josiah Parris, Captain of the Buckfield company, and
Ebenezer Rawson, Captain of the Paris company.
1803
Captain Joseph Rust built a carding mill at Steep Falls. John
Shaw run it for several years. — Captain Henry Rust, Jr., became a
permanent resident. He began the erection of his dwelling house
and barn, where the Noyes Drug Store, Walkers’ and Dr. B. if .
Bradbury’s buildings are now (1918) located. — Captain Joseph Rust,
who was elected town clerk and was a member of the school com¬
mittee, had a dam built for mills at the Steep Falls.- Daniel Young
and Joseph Gallison began the manufacture of hats in the village —
The village was called in conveyances of this period, Norway Mills.
At a later period “Norway Village.” At first it was denominated
“Rust’s Mills,” and by the people of the town generally The Mills.
1804
David Noyes, a minor of 16, settled in Norway this year. He was
a brother of Ward Noyes. He became a school teacher of note, and
a land surveyor, and wrote the first history of the town. Major
Jonathan Cummings built a saw mill on the outlet of the Hobbs
Pond. Two potashes in town, — one in the village which was burned
this year, but rebuilt, and one at Fuller’s Corner. Fuller sold salt,
70
HISTORY OF NORWAY
molasses, salt fish, etc., to the people in that section, and took his pay
in wood ashes to be used in making potash. — Luther Farrar began
the practice of law here — our first lawyer.
1805
Luther Farrar was elected representative to the Legislature. —
Captain Henry Rust, Jr., was elected chairman of the selectmen, and
Aaron Wilkins, constable and collector. — Dr. Moses Ayer became a
tax-payer this year. He settled on what is now the Dr. C. A.
Stephens place. — Josiah Farrar, a brother of Luther, the attorney,
became a tax-payer. He was a cloth dresser. After a few years he
moved to Waterford, Whether Josiah Farrar was in business with or
worked for Shaw or Bailey Bodwell, who had “clothing works” below
the second bridge in the village, is uncertain. — Capt. Joseph Rust
built a grist mill at Steep Falls this year. He was elected Register
of Deeds on the organization of the County of Oxford and moved
afterwards to Paris. — The village saw-mill run by William Beal, the
grandfather of the General, was burned by fire in March. Another
was built during the year. — Daniel Holt began blacksmithing in the
village.— A school house was built in the village on site of the present
upper primary school house. — On the 25th of October, Henry Rust
conveyed to the town Rustfield Cemetery, consisting of one acre and
thirteen square rods. Undoubtedly there had been some burials there
prior to that time. Mr. Rust had previously, as the deed stated, con¬
veyed “one acre near the house of John Parsons for a burying ground
to the Inhs. of Rustfield which they refused to accept.” The date is
not stated, but must have been prior to the incorporation of the town
in 1797. This would seem to show that the burying ground on Pike’s
Hill was first used for interments, and that probably Esther (Smith)
Parsons and infant child, and Daniel Cary were its first occupants —
the latter first in fact, by direction of Henry Rust’s agent, thus lo¬
cating the ground. Just where the Stevens child, who died in Septem¬
ber, 1791, was buried, is uncertain, but is supposed to have been in
what is now the Norway Center Cemetery, which located the burial
ground, — the second in point of time in the town.
1806
Captain Joseph Rust was elected chairman of the selectmen, which
shows that he hadn’t then moved to Paris. The number of scholars
was 393. The school house in the Jones district was built this year. —
William Reed, Jr., the oldest son of the family, a bright little fellow
in his 5th year, was accidentally killed by having a cart body fall
upon him. — A total eclipse of the sun, June 16th. It was so dark that
stars were visible and fowl went to roost, as on the approach of
nightfall. Many not understanding the phenomenon, were alarmed,
fearing that the judgment day was at hand.
1807
A school house was built during the year on the east side of the
great pond, on the ridge between the Nathaniel Bennett place and
the Benjamin Witt farm. — William Stevens, son of Joel, in May was
HISTORY OF NORWAY
VI
accidentally injured so much, on a brook between Mud and Sand
ponds, where a party of young men went to catch suckers, by a large
rock falling upon him, that he died three days after. — Captain
Anthony Bennett, while at work on a mill at Craigie’s Mills, fell
from a staging upon a broad-axe, cutting his leg above the knee in
a horrible manner. He died from the effects of the injury on the
28th of October.
1808
Daniel Town from Andover, settled near Fuller’s Corner. He was
a blacksmith, a vocation he carried on there for many years. — Francis
Major, a scholar of about 14, in the Jones district, while at play one
winter day with other boys, broke through the crust and fell. On
rising, he instantly dropped dead.
1809
Luther Farrar was elected representative to the General Court. —
The number of scholars had steadily increased from the first enumera¬
tion. This year there were 410. — The Congregational Church at
Norway Center was completed. Major Jonathan Cummings had com¬
menced building it the previous year. — The South Military Company
organized with Bailey Bodwell as Captain, William Twombly, Lieu¬
tenant, and Daniel Holt, Ensign.
, 1810
The 3rd United States census was taken this, year. Norway was
the eighth town in the county in respect to population. It had 1010
inhabitants. — Uriah Holt became a taxpayer here this year. He came
from Albany, settling at first near Fuller’s Corner. For many years
he was one" of the most prominent and influential men in town. — •
Aaron Wilkins began trade at Fuller’s Corner. — Thomas Crocker, a
nephew of the wife of Increase Robinson, came here from Conway,
N. H., but did not long remain and removed to Paris Hill. He be¬
came one of the wealthiest men in the county. — Benjamin Peabody’s
log house burnt one night in September.
1811
Joshua Smith was elected representative to the General Court. —
Five stores in town: William Reed’s, Joshua Smith’s, and Cox & Rob¬
inson’s, in the village; William Hobbs’ at Norway Center, and Aaron
Wilkins’ at Fuller’s Corner. The stores and goods were valued for
taxation purposes as follows, which shows their relative standing as
to amount of goods carried for trade: Cox & Robinson’s, $200; Aaron
Wilkins’, $160; William Reed’s, $110; Joshua Smith’s, $60, and Wil¬
liam Hobbs’, $45.— Levi Whitman came to Norway and entered into
partnership with Luther Farrar or perhaps was his clerk.
1812
Joshua Smith was re-elected representative to the Legislature. —
The second war with Great Britain broke out — war being declared by
the United States, June 18th.— Luther Farrar died March 28th. He
72
HISTORY OF NORWAY
was succeeded by Levi Whitman, in the practice of the law, who after¬
wards married Farrar’s widow and was in business here for over 50
years. — A large number of immigrants came into Norway during the
year. — At the annual town meeting, Uriah Holt was elected one of
the selectmen and assessors. It was the beginning of a long and
highly creditable service in town office. — Edward Little, in February,
purchased Lee’s Grant and the tract was run out into lots for settle¬
ment by Joshua Smith and a plan of it drawn. — Captain Henry Rust,
the proprietor of Rustfield, died October 28, 1812, aged 75.
1813
The Norway Company under Captain Bailey Bodwell marched for
Burlington, Vermont, early in the year. — Levi Whitman was elected
as representative to the General Court. — The town valuation was over
$50,000. The total money tax was $850.98, of which $500 was for
schools. The highway tax, worked out on the roads, was $1000.—
Captain Bailey Bodwell left his company in Vermont for some un¬
explained reason and came home. He was afterwards court martialed
by a militia tribunal at Paris Hill and deprived of holding any mili¬
tary office for a year.
1814
Early in the year, Henry Witt, the second son of Benjamin Witt,
then 19 years of age, who had served in Captain Bailey Bodwell’s
company, mysteriously disappeared one afternoon while his father
was away at Portland. No trace of him was ever found. Perhaps he
had formed some acquaintances while in the army whom he sought
out after his discharge. — Levi Whitman was re-elected representative
to the General Court. — Two companies from Norway marched to
Portland in September on an alarm of a British fleet being dis¬
covered off that city. One company was under command of Captain
Bailey Bodwell and the other of Captain Amos Town. These com¬
panies were attached to Colonel William Ryerson’s regiment. Sam¬
uel Ames was Quartermaster Sergeant, and Henry Rust, Sergeant
Major.
1815
Great rejoicing everywhere over the news of Peace being de¬
clared. — David Noyes gave up school teaching in the village where he
had been employed for five years, and bought a farm near Norway
Center, where he lived for many years. The summer terms in the
village had been private schools. The scholars in winter averaged to
number from 80 to 90, and in summer about 40. — Eighteen inches of
snow fell in a storm on the 18th of May. — Jabez Chubb was drowned
in the Spring while driving logs on Crooked River. — Levi Whitman
was appointed County Attorney, a position he held till 1833. — Captain
Joseph Rust died here May 2d. He had served as Register of Deeds
for 10 years. — Joseph Martin died August 10, aged 50.
1816
This was “the year without a summer.” A frost every month.
Not enough corn for seed for the following year — the farmers de-
HISTORY OF NORWAY
73
pending upon what was saved from the crop of 1815, for that purpose.
It brought as high a price in many instances as $5 a bushel. On the
7th of June, snow fell at the depth of two inches. Coldest June ever
known. On the morning of July 5th, ice was found of the thickness
of window glass. David Noyes’ corn on a piece of burnt land near
the pond was saved by fogs. — In the autumn a fire starting in Wood-
stock swept south and burnt over thousands of acres. It was after¬
wards known as the “Great Fire.” — The first school house built in *
Norway was burned with many books, one night in January. The
house was rebuilt the following summer.
1817
Jonathan Swift, from Paris, went into trade at Fuller’s Corner. —
Farmers used but half the usual amount of grain for seed per acre
and all the corn they could get hold of. The great increase in the
acreage planted and sowed owing to the immense tract burned over
the preceding year, gave them at harvest time the greatest crops they
had ever raised. Flour had been worth in the spring, $16 a barrel,
and pork, 20 cents a pound.
1818
Lemuel Shedd, the Revolutionary soldier, then about 60 years of
age, was killed on the 23rd of June while assisting at the raising of
the frame for a house for his oldest son, in the western part of the
town. A sudden gust of wind blew a timber upon him, killing him
instantly, while seriously injuring Captain Ward Noyes, who had a
leg broken. Captain Noyes, though finally recovering, died four
years afterwards.
1819
The school house in District No. 1, was destroyed by fire in Janu¬
ary. Another was built during the year. — No good sleighing till into
March. Then a three days’ storm with high winds set in. The snow
fell two feet on a level, and roads were impassable. Two Norway
citizens who had gone to Portland on business did not reach their
homes for a week. — The movement for the separation of Maine from
Massachusetts and its admission into the Union as a State, received
the approval of the people. Norway this time favored the measure,
wrhich it had formerly opposed. The Massachusetts General Court
passed an act of separation which was approved by the Governor,
June 19, 1819. Thereupon the cities and towns in Maine elected
members to a constitutional convention to be holden in Portland on
the 11th of October, following. On the 29th of the month a consti¬
tution for the new State of Maine had been adopted, and passing a
resolution submitting it to a vote of the people the Convention ad¬
journed to the 5th day of January, 1820, to count the votes. Having-
found the constitution to have been ratified by over 9000 majority,
the convention in January adjourned without day on the 7th. Aaron
Wilkins was the Norway delegate in the convention. He served on
no committee and took no part in the proceedings except to vote. The
vote on ratification in Norway was 76 yeas to 1 nay — in the whole
county, 1262 yeas to 88 nays. Turner, then in Oxford County, cast
74
HISTORY OF NORWAY
88 votes in favor of the constitution and none against it, but these
votes were rejected because returns were not sent in till after
January 1, 1820.
1820
In March, Maine was admitted into the Union as the 23rd state,
the 10th of the new states since the adoption of the Constitution by
the 13 original states. On the first Monday in April, the people voted
for Governor and members of the Legislature, to be holden at Port¬
land, on the last Wednesday of May, but thereafter to be elected on
the second Monday of September and to hold office from the first
Wednesday of January, following. Capt. Henry Rust was elected as
Norway’s representative in the new Legislature. By a count of the
votes, it was found when the Legislature met that William King of
Bath, had been chosen Governor. He appointed Prentiss Mellen of
Portland, Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. The Legis¬
lature chose John Holmes of Alfred and Gen. John Chandler of Mon¬
mouth, Senators in Congress. William C. Whitney of Oxford was
chosen one of the Goveror’s Council. Enoch Lincoln was elected from
the Oxford county district as a Member of Congress. He was after¬
wards elected Governor as a national republican. He was the
“Scholar in Politics” in Maine of his day. — Major Jonathan Cum¬
mings committed suicide July 12th, on account of financial embarrass¬
ments, at the age of 49, and Capt. Henry Rust, Jr., died August 25th,
in his 60th year, from consumption. They were the ablest and most
popular men in town of their day. Captain Rust had served as
County Treasurer for 13 years. — The fourth United States census
this year showed that Norway had a population of 1330. It had 10
school districts with 637 scholars. In tillage were 291 acres, 772
acres of upland hay land, 1779 acres in pasture, 109 horses, 254
oxen, and 468 cows. — Henry Rust, Jr., was elected County Treasurer
on the death of his father, which he held by successive elections for
10 years.
1821
Phillips Gore was annexed to Norway by Act of the Legislature
in February. It was described in the act as “the tract or gore of
land lying between the towns of Norway, Oxford, Harrison and
Waterford.” — Betsy Gammon, living in the family of Benjamin
Fuller, fell down stairs into the cellar, and broke her neck. — Peter
Everett, a native of France, and one of the early settlers, died Feb¬
ruary 27th.— Doctor Asa Danforth settled here in the practice of
medicine, which he followed with great success for over 50 years.
He was the ideal family physician.
1822
A new county road was laid out from Greenwood through Noble’s
Corner, to what is now Norway Lake Village. Until the Atlantic-
St. Lawrence Railroad was built, it was a part of a great thorough¬
fare from the northern section of the county, and a part of New
Hampshire, to Portland. — Captain Ward Noyes died April 23d,
largely from the effect of the injuries received four years before,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
75
when Lemuel Shedd was killed. — Mrs. Sarah Eastman died, March
26th, “aged 71.” — Bela Noyes, Jr., lost his house by fire in Decem¬
ber. — Uriah Holt was elected representative to the Legislature.
1823
The new road having been built this year, David Noyes, by whose
premises the thoroughfare was located, opened a public house. — James
French, Jr., lost his house “with most of its contents” by fire, in the
Spring. — Uriah Holt was re-elected representative. — In July, the Hall
saw mill was burned, with much lumber about the mill yard. The
owners rebuilt. In later years this mill has been known as the Holt
mill. — An epidemic broke out in the northwest part of the town in
September. “Thirteen persons died in one small neighborhood in
three weeks.” — Job Eastman Stevens, son of Joel, the pioneer, built
a store at what is now Norway Lake village, in which he traded till
about 1830. It was the first building erected there. A blacksmith
shop was first erected near the store six years later. — Enoch Merrill,
a Revolutionary soldier, died August 9, “aged 73.” Martha, his wife,
had died December 29, 1819, at 62. Both buried on Merrill Hill.
1824
Asa Barton started the Oxford Observer at Paris Hill. It was a
four-page newspaper and of national republican politics. It sup¬
ported John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts, for President that
year. Two years after this newspaper press was moved to Norway. —
James Longley this year advertised his stage line from Portland to
Paris and Norway. Round trip twice a week. Fare between Norway
and Portland, $1.80. — Mr. Stephen Latham died February 1, “aged
55, of colic.” He was a blacksmith and nail maker, at Fuller’s Cor¬
ner for many years.— June 18, Mrs. Anna F. Hobbs died of the lung
fever. Her husband, Jeremiah Hobbs, had died about 1815.
1825
A new post route was established in March from Paris Hill,
through Buckfield, North Turner, and Winthrop to Augusta. — Levi
Whitman and others petitioned the Legislature to have certain lots
in Paris annexed to Norway. The prayer of the petitioners was
denied. Uriah Holt was the Norway representative that year. He
lacked the art of “pulling wires” that Major Henry W. Millett at
a later day possessed, or the scheme might then have succeeded. —
Elijah Flint’s barn was burned in April. — Mrs. Huldah (Curtis)
Case, who was moved to Fuller’s Corner in 1793, in an ox-cart, died
May 29, “aged 90.”
76
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XIV.
Early Norway Village.
On the map of Rustfield, made from Samuel Titcomb’s survey m
1789 _ Rust’s Mills, the beginning of Norway Village, appear as three
ink marks— one the saw mill on the south side of the outlet of the
great pond at end of the dam, and two on the northerly side for the
errist mill and dwelling house of the miller. ...
Samuel Ames, who had moved into Rustfield from what is now
South Paris village, where he had been employed at Jackson s mill
on Stony Brook, was selected to run the mill. There is no doubt that
he was induced to come here by Captain Rust, in anticipation of mills
being erected of which he was to have charge. The dam was con¬
structed and the mills built in 1789. Ames superintended the work.
For a temporary place of shelter while this work was being done
he put up a camp on the south side of the stream, where the mill shed
afterwards stood. It was a very primitive affair, consisting of three
posts of the required length driven into the ground. For the .fourth
post, the trunk of a yellow birch tree was taken. (On this spot at
the present time —1917— is an aged yellow birch tree believed to be
a lineal descendant of the one made use of by Mr. Ames m the con¬
struction of his camp.— It since has been cut down.) Poles were laid
on and the structure covered with bark. ,
Mr. Ames having built a habitation near the mills and afterwards
told his place on the southerly slope of Pike’s Hill to Moses Twitche ,
moved into it with his family. This house, 36 by 18 feet, was the
first dwelling house to be erected in the future Norway village.
Samuel Ames may justly be regarded as the father of the place. He
was its chief citizen for many years. ,
We find the name of Moses Twitchell on both the census lists oi
1790 in Rustfield and No. 4 (Paris), indicating that he moved here
after the enumerators had taken his name and family statistics in the
latter township, and also fixes the approximate time Samuel Ames
moved his family to their habitation near the mills.
The Rust house on the northern slope of Pike s Hill must have
been erected about the same time, but as the early historian did no
consider it to be in the village when he came to Norway m 1804 (but
would be so considered now) and made no statement of when it was
built, we are left in some doubt just what time it was erected.
Thomas Cowen from No. 4 came in 1790 before the census was
taken here, and took charge of the saw mill, under the superintendence
of Mr. Ames. Cowen built or had built for him, a cabin nearly op¬
posite the mill on the other side of the stream in which he and his
family of seven lived for several years. . ^ ~
The next settler at the Mills was Benjamin Witt, a nephew of
Captain Rust, then a young unmarried man, who was a blacksmith
by trade. He came with Captain Rust subsequent to the building
of the mills, and was a permanent settler here when the first census
was taken. He probably lived a while in the family of Samuel Ames.
After his marriage in 1791, he lived for a period m the Rust house
HISTORY OF NORWAY
77
on the hill. He was the first citizen at the Mills to be married. Ben¬
jamin Witt was a great acquisition to the little settlement, for
though he had few if any horses or oxen then to shoe, a blacksmith in
those days made all kinds of articles used on the farms, such as axes,
hoes, hammers, and chains, and a great variety of iron and wooden
utensils used in the families of the early settlers.
William Gardner from No. 4 came here in the latter part of 1790,
and built a house on what is now the northeast corner of Main and
Whitman streets, and Daniel Knight from the same place but origi¬
nally from Gray, appears to have lived through the next winter with
him. Both soon after settled on the Lee’s Grant as elsewhere re¬
lated.
Peter Buck from No. 4, who had a family of six persons there
when the census was taken, came here in 1791, and settled on the
place now owned by Judge William F. Jones, on Pleasant street. He
was the first shoenfaker in the place.
It was essential to have near the mills, a place where a few such
articles as salt and molasses could be procured, and one James Kettle
(a suggestive name surely), was induced to open a place for trade.
A room in the house of Samuel Ames was assigned him for his busi¬
ness. How long he stayed is uncertain. His name is not on the
Rustfield Plantation tax list of 1794, indicating that he had gone
away before that time.
It is probable that Captain Rust built the “saw mill” house about
1792. He appears to have put into it a stock of goods that year and
engaged William Reed to sell them out as his clerk.
David Noyes’ History states: “William Reed was the next trader,
and commenced trade in a little house, formerly called the saw-mill
house, which stood about south of, or opposite the saw-mill and neai
where Cowen’s cabin once stood. He traded here a few years and
probably commenced about 1792. After some years he built a two-
story store (about 1798), where he traded for many years.”
William Reed’s name is not on any tax list prior to 1797, and it is
stated in the Centennial History that he became a new settler here
that year. These statements seem to require some explanation. Wil¬
liam Reed was born in Danvers, November 3, 1775, and was not
twenty-one by several years when he first came here in 1792, hardly
old enough to commence business for himself. There can be little
question that he then acted as Captain Rust’s clerk. It is said that
he was the son of Daniel Reed, yet he signed his name as William
Reed, Jr. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Jedediah Cobb of Gray.
They had 10 children, six of whom grew up and had families of their
own. Mr. Reed built his two-story store and house, the present
Robert Noyes block, about 1798. When the Post Office was estab¬
lished here in 1801, his was the best place for it and he was appointed
Postmaster, a position he held for 40 years. Mr. Reed was the first
trader of importance in the village and town and did a considerable
business for those times and was considered wealthy. William Reed
was a man of capacity and of unimpeachable integrity. He died
two days after the 73rd anniversary of his birth, November 5, 1848.
Levi Bartlett from Plymouth, where he was born in 1772, pur¬
chased of Captain Rust, in September, 1794, the right to use water
78
HISTORY OF NORWAY
on the south side of the stream between the two bridges, to operate
a trip-hammer by water power, and built a blacksmith shop. He
built a house near, which he afterwards enlarged to a two-story
structure where he lived till his death in 1818. Lee Mixer later
owned it and died there. Mr. Bartlett married Polly, daughter of
Ichabod and Mary (Gorham) Tinkham. They had three children.
His wife died and he married Abigail Gorham. They had one child
who died when 16 years old.
Joshua Crockett, originally from Gorham, came here from that
part of Hebron which is now Oxford, in 1795, and was in the Rust
house when the plantation tax was assessed the next year. He was
born in Windham, June 4, 1765. In 1799, he bought of Benjamin
Witt the place afterwards known as the Crockett farm. His wife
was Sarah Hamblen, born March 31, 1767. They had nine children,
and eight lived to have families. He died October 11, 1819. She
died September 8, 1844.
William Beal, born in York in 1770, was a shoemaker. He mar¬
ried Jerusha Fluent and came here in time to be taxed in 1797. He
took charge of the saw mill which he continued to run for many
years — succeeding one John Eaton, the successor of Cowen. Both
William Beal and his wife were living here when the census was
taken in 1850. His age was then given as 79 and hers as 74.
Reuben Hubbard from Paris was here to be taxed in 1796. He
was building a house in the village that year. He soon returned to
Paris.
Soon after this time, a Samuel Smith built a two-story house, on
the site of the one where Stephen B. Cummings now lives. Increase
Robinson afterwards bought the place and lived there a number of
years. •
It has been attempted to trace the owners of the houses built by
William Gardner and Reuben Hubbard.
The Cumberland County records mention no conveyance to or
from William Gardner. Luther Farrar, our first lawyer, was the
owner shortly after he settled here in 1804, and Increase Robinson
of the Hubbard house soon after he came, about 1806. The two
lots on which these houses were built are situated on the corners made
by the junction of Main and Whitman streets.
Bailey Bodwell came to Norway, probably in 1799, for his name
was not on the direct tax list of 1798, but was on the town tax list
of 1800. He built a two-story house on the site of the James O.
Crooker hardware store and erected a cloth dressing establishment,
on the water power privilege now owned by C. B. Cummings & Sons,
in the rear of Stone’s Drug Store. He later sold and built at Steep
Falls a two-story building in which he carried on the same business.
He lived in a part of the building. Bodwell built the first saw mill
at Steep Falls, and Joseph Rust the first grist mill there.
Bailey Bodwell was born in Methuen, December 9, 1777. His wife,
Nancy, was born in Westbrook in 1779. They had nine children.
He was elected Captain of the first South Norway Company, organ¬
ized in 1809. He raised a company for service in the War of 1812-
15. Captain Bailey Bodwell died in Portland, September 25, 1856,
and was buried in Stoneham.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
79
Benjamin Tucker, then a young unmarried man of 24, came here
from Worcester, afiout 1800. His coming savored of the romantic.
On his way over Pike’s Hill to Rust’s Mills, he stopped at the well of
John Pike, to get a nice cool drink of water. Pike’s oldest daughter,
Mary, a lass of fourteen, stood in the doorway. She brought a drink¬
ing vessel at the stranger’s request, and assisted him to draw the
water from the well. Pike’s Hill has ever been noted for its excellent
water and of this well in particular. Tucker was struck with the
beauty of this young girl and afterwards made many journeys up the
hill from the village to see her. They were married some three years
after, when he had become well established in the saddlery and har¬
ness business. He built a house on the site of the present Tubbs’
store on Main street. His harness shop was east of the house near
the brook. His farm covered many acres in the vicinity. The har¬
ness business has been followed without a break, by his descendants
to the present time. Benjamin Tucker and his wife had fifteen chil¬
dren. He died in 1857. She survived him two years.
Stephen Greenleaf was the pioneer cabinet maker in the village.
He was born in Boston in January, 1779. He married Mary Savery
of Plymouth in 1803, and came here from North Yarmouth in 1805
and engaged in the manufacture of furniture and fine cabinet work,
a business he carried on for over fifty years. His house was on the
site of the present Hatch house, and his cabinet-shop on what is now
the corner of Main Street and Greenleaf Avenue, named for him.
He served as sexton of Rustfield Cemetery for many years. No bet¬
ter man ever lived in Norway. He died July 4, 1854.
A little after 1800, Captain Henry Rust started the tanning busi¬
ness on the stream below Bodwell’s clothing works, under the man¬
agement of William Reed. Jacob Frost, Jr., afterwards took charge
of the business and he was succeeded in 1804 or 1805, by Joseph
Shackley who lived in the “tan-yard house.” (This structure painted
white and owned by George A. Cole, was burned in the great fire
of 1894.) The tan-yard was in the rear of the present Opera House.
Joshua Smith moved from his farm to the Mills in 1804. He
afterwards sold the farm to Joseph Bradbury. He built a carpenter
shop and dwelling, in a part of which was a store, on the site of the
Elm House property, which was afterwards enlarged and opened as
a public house. His barn was on the opposite side of the road where
the present Bartlett store and Hathaway block are situated.
The village for the period ending with 1800, does not appear to
have kept pace with the growth of the rest of the town. And for
this period, there was no lawyer or settled physician at the Mills.
The Universalist church, the first in town, was built in 1801, on
the site of the present one. And the first school-house in the village
was built where the present upper primary school-house stands,
in 1805.
It is uncertain who* the first physician in the village was or when
or where he came from. A number are stated by the first town his¬
torian as coming here but none are definitely located in the village
before the coming of Dr. Asa Danforth in 1821. But there was a
Dr. (John S.) Case about 1802, who came into the village and after¬
wards opened a public house in the Samuel Smith house which he run
80
HISTORY OF NORWAY
for a short time. Increase Robinson from New Hampshire, came
here about 1806, and bought the place. (Dr. Case “did not act the
physician much while here,” says the first history.)
The first lawyer to settle here was Luther Farrar from Vermont.
He came in 1804 and bought the lot of Captain Rust on which the
William Gardner house stood, which he enlarged shortly after. He
built a lawyer’s office near his house, on his lot, which he and his
successor, Levi Whitman, occupied for over 50 years. It is (1917)
the front part of the present Louis Brooks Store.
When Henry and Joseph Rust, sons of the proprietor of Rustfield,
both sea captains (as was their brother John who came later), settled
in the village, they began the erection of buildings on their lots. In
his journal, Joseph Rust mentions work being done on them in 1803.
The former built a house where the present Noyes Drug Store is
situated and a barn on the site of the Isaac A. Denison house. The
cow yard was on the Dr. B. F. Bradbury lot — the big elm being in
what was once one of its corners. Joseph Rust built in the corner
made by what is now Main and Pleasant Streets, and later a house
was erected back of Main Street, connecting with the other buildings
in which Capt. John Rust (who had the mills at the head of the vil¬
lage, on the settlement of his father’s estate) lived to his death.
The following pen picture of Norway Village about 1800, by
David Noyes in 1852, is worthy of reproduction here:
“Half a century ago our beautiful village consisted of a rude
corn-mill, a saw-mill, a blacksmith’s shop, and one store, where was
kept for sale, rum, molasses, sugar (mostly maple), a little tea and
coffee, tobacco, salt, salt-fish and a few other groceries; a little calico
(oftentimes purchased by the pattern, say six yards to a pattern
in those days), a little India cotton shirting and sheeting, a bag of
cotton-wool as it was then called, and other little etceteras to make
up an assortment; and was finally a pretty good store for that day.
There was no school-house in the village at that time and but two in
the whole town. Houses small, poor, few and far between with here
and there a barn.”
He stated in another part of his history that when he came to
Norway, February 12, 1804, “there were three two-story buildings in
the village, viz: the Reed store, the old house recently occupied by
Ichabod Bartlett (the one built by Bailey Bodwell), and the old
Samuel Smith house. There were a few other houses in the village
but mostly small and poor.” This was undoubtedly the order in
which they (the two-story structures) were built. The Rust house
on the hill, was undoubtedly the first, though not then regarded as
in the village. The John Deering house, now owned by George L.
Noyes, was being built in 1804.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
81
CHAPTER XV.
Revolutionary Soldiers.
Three of the Revolutionary soldiers who settled in Norway, Jacob
Frost, Phinehas Whitney and Amos Upton, were in the battle of
Bunker Hill. As that engagement had such an influence on the con¬
duct of the war on both sides, it has been thought proper to place in
Part II of this work, Captain Henry Dearborn’s account of the battle
and a criticism of Sir William Howe’s conduct in prosecuting the
war on the part of the British Government. Captain Dearborn set¬
tled in Maine after the war and was General-in-Chief of the army
during the administration of President James Madison, and Secretary
of War in Thomas Jefferson’s cabinet. These two publications made
in the early part of the last century are the best account of the battle
of Bunker Hill and the explanation of Sir William Howe’s prosecu¬
tion of the war for the subjugation of the English colonies, which the
writer has ever seen, and are worthy of preservation.
Lemuel Shedd, a “body guard” of General Washington, left a brief
account of his carrying dispatches from the Commander-in-Chief to
General Horatio Gates during the campaign ending in the surrender
of General John Burgoyne and his British Army of Invasion on the
17th day of October, 1777. Joseph Gammon left a statement of his
and John Lombard’s experience in their tramp through the forest,
home to Gorham from Castine, in the summer of 1779. No ac¬
count of Amos Upton’s experience at Bunker Hill or elsewhere has
come down to us.
None of the other sixty Revolutionary soldiers who settled in
Norway, have left anything so far as can now be ascertained, of
their lives in the old Continental Army except the brief mention that
Samuel Ames was one of the men who beat the drum at the Surren¬
der of Burgoyne’s army at Saratoga.
Jacob Frost’s experience was the most thrilling of all. At Bunker
Hill, he was wounded by a musket ball, in the hip, taken prisoner
and with several others carried to Halifax, where he was kept in a
dungeon for several months. While yet very lame he with three
fellow-prisoners, planned a way to escape, by removing a stone and
digging out under the wall of their prison. This they effected one
night without discovery, but one of their number being too large to
get through the opening, had to be left behind. Frost and the other
two made their way into the woods and as soon as daylight began to
appear, concealed themselves as best they could till darkness again
came to cover their flight. Frost was still too lame to make much
headway, but his companions proving true and faithful friends, helped
him along, often carrying him on their backs. During the first day
he lay concealed under a large tree, which the wind had blown down,
being covered up in the leaves by his companions.
In the morning after their departure from the prison, they were
missed, search was immediately made and some of those in pursuit
of the fugitives, going along on their trail stopped to rest on the
trunk of the very tree under which Frost was concealed, and he heard
them talking over the manner of their escape and probable capture.
82
HISTORY OF NORWAY
The relief he experienced on their departure can better be imagined
than described. On the approach of night, the prisoners resumed
their flight. They were not retaken and after many weary weeks of
wandering, suffering from hunger and indescribable hardships, they
reached their own country and homes. How they crossed the Bay of
Fundy, or whether they made a detour of it has not come down to us.
It seems on the whole a very remarkable escape. The British bullet
Frost had in his hip, was extracted a few years before his death in
1839. It had been in his flesh for over 50 years.
Phinehas Whitney, just as the last of the American troops were
leaving the redoubt on Bunker Hill, shot a British officer, who prob¬
ably was Major John Pitcairn, who on the 19th of April, 1775, at
Lexington, had ordered his men to fire on the Americans, thus be¬
ginning the war, which resulted in the Independence of the Colonies.
Whitney, many times after settling in Norway, stated that the officer
shouted to his men as they mounted the breastworks: “Pass on, my
boys. The fort’s our own.” These are almost the same words said
by British authorities that Major Pitcairn uttered, just as he fell.
Whitney, “clubbing his musket,” managed to escape.
The incident in Lemuel Shedd’s carrying General Washington’s
message to General Gates, which is of sufficient interest to be men¬
tioned here, is that he was pursued and would have been captured,
and probably hung as a spy, had he not abandoned his jaded horse
and hid himself under a shelving rock or ledge, over which a stream
of water ran. He managed to reach the headquarters of General
Gates and deliver his message before the battle took place.
Stephen Curtis was a private in Captain Thomas Grant’s com¬
pany of Colonel John Glover’s regiment, from Marblehead, which took
charge of the transportation of Washington’s Army across the Dela¬
ware and from Long Island in the face of the enemy in 1776. No
incident of his army life, however, has come down to us.
Joseph Gammon left an account of his and John Lombard’s tramp
home to Gorham through the woods, on the disastrous failure of the
expedition against Castine (Bagaduce) in 1779. Seven others
from Gorham and Gray, who were afterwards early settlers in Nor¬
way, were also in that expedition, but nothing relating to how these
seven reached their homes has come down to us. On the breaking up
of the expedition through the cowardice and incompetence of Com¬
modore Saltonstall of Connecticut, and the destruction of the Ameri¬
can fleet by the marines to prevent the vessels from falling into the
hands of the enemy, the soldiers with the exception of four compa¬
nies which were collected by General Peleg Wadsworth, and marched
to Camden, were told by their officers to separate into small squads
and make their way to their homes as best they could with Indians
as guides. Gammon and Lombard chose to go by themselves. With
others they had jumped from the transport they were on, the day be¬
fore they began their long tramp, into the Penobscot, from fear of
being captured by the British, and swam ashore without their guns
or any rations. To travel from an hundred to an hundred and fifty
miles, through a trackless forest, subsisting on berries and roots, with
an occasional meal of raw flesh from small animals and birds, which
they were fortunate enough to kill; wading and swimming streams,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
83
plunging through swamps and miry places, in summer was a very
serious undertaking even for old hunters, skilled in woodcraft. After
a tramp of about three weeks they reached their homes in Gorham.
Their clothes were in tatters; their feet nearly naked and covered
with blisters; their flesh lacerated and bruised; but with a joy in
their hearts that is indescribable.
( Service only in part in most cases.)
Samuel Ames; Haverhill. 9th Mass. Served as Samuel Buck. Beat
the drum at the Surrender of Gen. John Burgoyne’s Army at
Saratoga. Died March 19, 1852, aged 93. Buried in Rustfield
Cemetery.
Ephraim Barrows; Plympton. Received a pension. Came here from
Hebron about 1829. Died May 30, 1838, in his 77th year.
Buried in Rustfield Cemetery.
Josiah Bartlett; Plymouth. Capt. Jesse Harlow’s Co. Service 7
days. Afterwards a sea captain. Date of death unknown.
Probably buried on Pike’s Hill. Unmarked grave.
William Bartlett; Plymouth. Capt. Thomas Poor’s Co. Lived near
Norway Lake. Died December 4, 1814, aged 70. Buried in
Norway Center Cemetery.
Daniel Beckler; German. Came here from Waldoboro. Served
two years in Col. Hunt’s Regiment. Removed to Greenwood and
died there. U. S. government marker procured by author.
Asa Case; Middleton. Capt. Asa Prince’s Co. Col. John Merrifield’s
Regiment. Service three months, *f our days. Died before direct
tax of 1798 was assessed. Buried in Shedd burying ground.
Ebenezer Cobb; Middleboro. Pensioned under certificate No. 5611.
Died May 9, 1826. Buried on Pike’s Hill. Gravestone.
Isaac Cobb; Middleboro. In Rhode Island expedition of 1780. Re¬
moved to Abbot, Me., and died there.
William Churchill; came here from Buckfield, about 1817, to live
in his daughter’s (Mrs. Rebecca Churchill’s) family. Date of
death unknown. Buried on Elm Hill in Paris. Unmarked grave.
Elisha Cummings; Gray. Capt. Richard Maybury’s Co., Col. Eben¬
ezer Francis’ Regiment. Siege of Boston 1775-6. Died in Green¬
wood, Oct. 18, 1827, aged 72. Buried in Richardson Hollow bury¬
ing ground.
Isaac Cummings; Gray. Drummer, Capt. Nathan Merrill’s Co. Col.
Jonathan Mitchell’s Regiment. Penobscot Expedition, 1779.
Fifer in other companies. Died October 1, 1842. Buried at
West Poland.
Noah Curtis; Pembroke. Service in 1775-6-7. Came to Norway
about 1797. Lived on the Lee’s Grant. He had died or removed
before direct tax of 1816 was assessed. Place of burial un¬
known. (Woodstock or Paris.)
Stephen Curtis; Middleton. Served in Col. Glover’s Regiment
which manned the boats that carried Washington’s Army across
the Delaware. Also ferried the army across the river from
Long Island. Pensioned under certificate No. 6761. Came to
Norway about 1800 and lived in family of Mrs. Huldah (Curtis)
84
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Case. Died April 2, 1830, aged 75. Buried in Shedd burying
ground in unmarked grave.
Captain John Davis; served probably under Gen. John Stark in New
Hampshire. Came to Norway about 1813. Died in 1818. Wife
died in 1820. Buried in Rustfield Cemetery. On grave stone it
states that he was characterized by patriotism, philanthropy
and integrity.
Asa Dunham; Plympton. Capt. Jesse Harlow’s Co. Service on the
Hudson River, 1778. Also other service. In Captain Bailey
Bodwell’s Norway Company, War of 1812-15, and died at Bur¬
lington, Vt., Oct. 13, 1813, and buried there.
Nathan Foster; Tewksbury. Captain Caleb Town’s Co. Service
6 months, 6 days. Died February 5, 1836. Buried in Norway
Center Cemetery.
Enoch Frost; Gorham. Sergeant Major, Col. Jonathan Mitchell’s
Regiment. Penobscot Expedition, 1779. Also Corporal, Captain
Hart Williams’ Company, Col. E. Phinney’s 31st Regiment of
Foot. Was also member of Gorham Committee of Safety. Came
to Norway in 1812, to live in family of daughter, Mrs. Samuel
Lord. Died June, 1813. Buried on Frost Hill. Grave marked
by government stone procured by author.
William Frost; Gorham. Commissary for troops in defense of
Falmouth, now Portland, when the place was burnt by the British
in October, 1775. Born in 1744. Died March 12, 1826, aged 83.
Buried on Frost Hill.
Jacob Frost; Tewksbury. Wounded and taken prisoner at Bunker
Hill. Carried to Halifax, N. S. Escaped from prison. Died
June 28, 1839. Buried at Norway Center.
David Gorham; Plymouth or Middleboro. Corporal, Captain John
Russell’s Co., one month, three days. Died May 29, 1834.
Buried on Pike’s Hill.
Joseph Gammon; Gorham. Captain Alexander McLellan’s Com¬
pany. Colonel Jonathan Mitchell’s Regiment. Penobscot Expe¬
dition, 1779. Died December 28, 1852, aged 94 years, 5 months.
Buried on Pike’s Hill. Gravestone, error on same as to his age.
Moses Gammon; Gorham. Sergeant in Captain Joseph Brown’s
Company. Colonel Timothy Bigelow’s Regiment at Valley Forge.
Pensioner under certificate No. 7989. Died on Allen Hill, Oxford,
May 16, 1835, aged about 85.
Samuel Godding; Captain Moses Dunston’s Company. Colonel George
Reed’s Regiment. New Hampshire Line on the Continental Es¬
tablishment. Pensioned, certificate No. 5753. Came to Norway
about 1798, and lived near the Hobbs Pond. Joined the Shakers
at Sabbathday Pond, New Gloucester, and died there.
John Greeley; Gorham. Captain Wentworth Stuart’s Company.
Colonel Edmund Phinney’s 31st Regiment of Foot, Siege of Bos¬
ton, 1775. Lived near Frost Hill. Name perpetuated in Greeley
Brook. Died in Oxford, May 1, 1817, aged 65.
John Henley; Reading. Captain Philip Thomas’ Company, 10th
Regiment Massachusetts Line on the Continental Establish¬
ment. Enlisted December 27, 1776; discharged December 23,
1779. Died in Portland about 1836, aged 77.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
85
Benjamin Herring; Cape Ann. Captain Isaac Parsons’ Company.
Col. Prince’s Regiment. Died February 3, 1843, aged 81. Buried
on Pike’s Hill.
Amos Hobbs; Hopkinton. Enlisted from Gray in Captain Nathan
Merrill’s Company. Colonel Jonathan Mitchell’s Regiment.
Penobscot Expedition, 1779. Died June 5, 1839, aged 78. Buried
at Norway Center.
Darius Holt; Andover. Captain White’s Company. Colonel Rufus
Putnam’s Regiment at Valley Forge, and was at the Storming
of Stony Point. Pensioned, certificate No. 9997. He died in
August, 1854, aged 89. Last of the Norway Revolutionary Sol¬
diers. Buried at Norway Center.
Jacob Howe; Rowley. Captain Turner’s Company. Colonel Henry
Jackson’s Regiment. Pensioned, certificate No. 5617. Died in
Paris, January 30, 1830. Buried in Pine Grove Cemetery.
Daniel Knight; Gray. Served several enlistments during latter part
of the war. Pensioned, certificate No. 7889. Lived on Crockett
Ridge. Died January 31, 1853, aged 93. Buried on Pike’s Hill
in unmarked grave.
George Lessley; Gray. Captain Richard Maybury’s Co., Colonel
Ebenezer Francis’ Regiment. Siege of Boston, 1775-6. Died
about 1800. Probably buried on Pike’s Hill in unmarked grave.
John Lombard; Gorham. Captain Alex. McLellan’s Company.
Penobscot Expedition, 1779. Died in Norway, July 31, 1853,
aged 89. . Buried at Otisfield Gore. Gravestone.
Asa Lovejoy; Andover. Minute Man. Marched on Lexington and
Concord alarm. Died in Bethel, 1835, aged about 85.
Isaac Lovejoy; Andover. Served three years. Date of death un¬
known. Probably buried in Shedd burying ground, in vicinity
where he lived.
Enoch Merrill; Andover. Capt. Abijah Brown’s Company. Colonel
Josiah Whitney’s Regiment. Born May, 1750, died August 9,
1823. Buried on Merrill Hill.
John Needham; Tewksbury. “Served nearly four years.” Pen¬
sioned. Died April 24, 1840, aged 81. Buried at Norway Center.
Granite monument.
Nathan Noble; Stroudwater and Gray. Captain Nathan Merrill’s
Co. Penobscot Expedition, 1779. Killed by falling tree, January
13, 1827. Buried on Pike’s Hill. Gravestone.
Bela Noyes; Bridgewater. Captain Jacob Allen’s Co. Colonel John
Bailey’s Regiment. At Valley Forge. Pensioned, certificate No.
11466. Died, August 21, 1833. Buried at Norway Center.
James Packard; Bridgewater. Pensioned, certificate No. 5615. Died
in Norway, February 21, 1849, “aged 89.” Buried at Richardson
Hollow, Greenwood. Gravestone.
William Parsons; Gloucester. Corporal, Captain Joseph Robie’s Co.
Moses Little’s Regiment. Buried on Pike’s Hill. Gravestone.
Samuel Perkins; Bridgewater. Served three and one-half years in
Eighth Massachusetts Regiment. Lived on east side of the pond
south of Anthony Bennett’s. Removed to Paris and died there,
January 8, 1809. Buried in old Shurtleff burying ground. Un¬
marked grave.
86
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Zebedee Perry; Middleboro. Captain Joseph Parker’s Company.
Colonel John Cushing’s Regiment in Rhode Island expedition,
1776, 59 days. Died about 1815. Buried on Pike’s Hill. Grave¬
stone.
Dudley Pike; Exeter, N. H. Served in the New Hampshire Line.
Died July 30, 1838, aged 78. Buried on Pike’s Hill. Gravestone.
Stephen Pingree; Methuen. Served in Washington’s Army. Pen¬
sioned. Died April 30, 1840, “aged 87.” Buried on Merrill Hill.
Joshua Pool; Bridgewater. Pensioned. Removed to Greenwood and
died there, August 23, 1844, “aged 82.”
Simeon Sanborn; Standish. Captain Silas Burbank’s Company.
Colonel Samuel Brewer’s Regiment. At Valley Forge. Pen¬
sioned, certificate No. 9769. Removed to Greenwood. Died in
Bethel.
Captain Jonathan Sawyer; Falmouth or Gorham. First Lieuten¬
ant, Captain Wentworth Stuart’s Company, 18th Massachusetts,
1776-7. On Captain Stuart’s death promoted to Captain. Lived
a period on Phillips’ Gore (Frost Hill section). Died on visit to
Gorham in 1789. Family lot on Otisfield Gore. Perhaps buried
there.
Lemuel Shedd; Lunenburg. Member of Washington’s Body Guard.
Carried dispatches to General Gates before battle of Saratoga.
Accidentally killed June 23, 1818. Buried in Shedd burying
ground. Gravestone.
Lieutenant Simeon Shurtleff; Middleboro. Removed to Paris
before 1816, and died there. Buried in old Shurtleff burying
ground. Unmarked grave.
Joel Stevens; Townsend. Served in Colonel Crane’s 15th Massachus¬
etts Regiment. At Valley Forge. Died May 18, 1850, “aged
95.” Buried at Norway Center. Gravestone.
Sergeant Jonas Stevens; Townsend, Gray. Captain Paul Ellis’
Company. Colonel Timothy Bigelow’s Regiment. At Valley
Forge. Pensioned, certificate No. 5604. Died February 9, 1833,
“aged 84.” Buried at Norway Center, in unmarked grave.
Corporal Joseph Stevens; Townsend, Gray. Captain Moses Mer¬
rill’s Company. Colonel E. Phinney’s 31st Massachusetts Regi¬
ment of Foot, 1775. Died August 14, 1830, “aged 77.” Buried
at Norway Center.
Nathaniel Stevens; Townsend, Gray. Captain Nathan Merrill’s
Company in Penobscot Expedition, 1779, age 18. Died June 30,
1816. Buried at Norway Center in unmarked grave.
Moses Twitchell; Gray. Captain Samuel Noyes’ Company. Colonel
Edmund Phinney’s 31st Massachusetts Regiment of Foot. Came
to Rustfield from Paris in 1790. Sold his farm to Ephraim
Briggs and went away — perhaps to Oxford. Date of death and
place of burial unknown.
Jacob Tubbs; Pembroke. Colonel Thomas’ Regiment of the Massa¬
chusetts Line. Settled on the Lee’s Grant about 1795. Removed
late in life to Abbot, Maine, with youngest son, Samuel, and
died there.
Amos Upton; North Reading. At Bunker Hill. Long service in the
war. Pensioned. Died April 3, 1838, “aged 96.” Buried in field
HISTORY OF NORWAY
87
on road to the Chapel. Grave marked by government stone, pro-
cured by the author.
David Upton; North Reading. A relative of Amos. Brother-in-law
of John Henley. Served a period in the Revolutionary War.
Came to Norway about 1797 — had removed or died before 1816.
John Upton; Reading. Brother of Amos. Served a period in the
Revolution. Came to Norway in 1798. Returned to Reading
and died there February 28, 1813. Two children born in Norway.
Nathaniel Upton; North Reading. Served a period in the War of
the Revolution. Lived in Norway several years with brother
Amos. Returned to Reading, on being made his Uncle Nathan¬
iel’s heir. Died in Stockbridge.
Eliphalet Watson ; Gorham. Captain Richard Maybury’s Company
in Siege of Boston, 1775-6. Came to Norway about 1805, and
died in family of his son, Daniel, March 14. 1812, “aged 94 years,
8 months.” Buried at Norway Center. Grave marked by gov¬
ernment stone.
Zachariah Weston ; Gorham. Captain Alex. McLellan’s Company.
Colonel Jonathan Mitchell’s Regiment. Penobscot Expedition of
1779. Settled on Phillips Gore. Died March 19, 1836, aged
“83 years, 9 months.” Buried on Frost Hill.
Ebenezer Whitmarsh; Bridgewater. Served a period in the Revolu¬
tionary War. Came to Rustfield about 1792. Lived in southern
part of town. Died June 6, 1827, “aged 70,” and was buried on
Pike’s Hill. Gravestone.
Phinehas Whitney; Harvard. Captain Benjamin Brown’s Com¬
pany. Colonel Micah Jackson’s Regiment. At Bunker Hill
where he shot a British officer supposed to be Major Pitcairn.
At Valley Forge. Pensioned, certificate No. 13335. Buried on
Merrill Hill. Grave marked by government stone, procured by
the author.
Nathaniel Young; Gray. Captain Paul Ellis’ Company. Colonel
Timothy Bigelow’s regiment. At Valley Forge. In Penobscot
Expedition of 1779. First enlistment from Dedham. Pensioned.
Certificate No. 7603. Died in Greenwood, 1838, “aged 78.”
John Bancroft; Lynnfield, Mass. Born April 14, 1740; probably
Revolutionary Soldier. Came to Norway about 1800. He died in
1820, and was buried on Merrill Hill.
Joseph Jordan was a private in Captain Thomas Barnes’ Company
of Colonel Thomas Nixon’s Regiment. He may be the Joseph
Jordan who came to Norway and settled late in life, near his
sons, in the vicinity of Frost Hill.
David Woodman; Falmouth. Was one of Sergeant John Bagley’s
detachment to guard the forts and magazines. The David Wood¬
man who settled in Norway may have been this soldier. Our
settler died here November 6, 1840, aged 93. Buried in Rustfield.
The law of the Revolutionary period required all male persons
between the ages of 16 and 45, unless incapacitated, to serve in the
militia, and as men were required to fill quotas or calls for troops,
where volunteers hadn’t been furnished, the number needed was
88
HISTORY OF NORWAY
selected by lot. It may be fairly presumed that where one was of the
right military age, unless disabled by disease, crippled, or otherwise
incapacitated, that he served a longer or shorter time during the
period of eight years that the war lasted.
Many persons living in Norway are descended from Revolutionary
ancestors, who never resided here. For the benefit of such the author
has subjoined the following names:
Sergeant Nathaniel Bennett, Sen.; born in Gloucester, Mass., re¬
moved to New Gloucester. He served as Sergeant in Captain
Moses Merrill’s Company of Colonel Edmund Phinney’s 31st
Regiment of Foot in 1775, and marched to Boston. Died in
New Gloucester.
Ephraim Crockett, Sen.; Cape Elizabeth. Born July 12, 1755; mar¬
ried Rebecca Stanford, born July 20, 1760. He served in Captain
Samuel Deering’s Company of Colonel Edmund Phinney’s 31st
Regiment of Foot, in 1775. Removed to Danville, now Auburn,
and probably died there.
Jonathan Cummings; Andover. Born Topsfield, October 14, 1743;
married Mary Eastman of Pembroke. She died December 30, 1802.
Second, Mary (Lovejoy) Parker. He died in 1805. Widow died
April 5, 1826, aged 80. Eleven children by first wife. He was
a Revolutionary Soldier, Cummings’ Genealogy states. He was
the proprietor of the Cummings Purchase. His name appears
in the printed volumes of Massachusetts Revolutionary Soldiers,
as a Minute Man during Lexington and Concord alarm, April 19,
1775.
Lieutenant Joshua Crockett; Gorham. Born about 1735; married,
1757, Hannah Babb. Served several enlistments. He was En¬
sign in Captain Samuel Whitmore’s Company of Colonel Reuben
Fogg’s Regiment, 1776. Commissioned Second Lieutenant, May
10, 1776. Was First Lieutenant in Captain Roger Libby’s
Company in 1779. He died January 6, 1809. His wife had died
May 5, 1805.
David Dinsmore; New Gloucester; born about 1752, in Londonderry,
New Hampshire; married Sarah Bradbury. Removed to Minot,
and died there. Served on the ship Vengeance, in Penobscot Ex¬
pedition of 1779 — two months’ service.
Job Holmes; Plympton; born, ; married, 1788,
Judith Tucker of New Gloucester. Served in the Massachusetts
Line on the Continental Establishment; several enlistments.
John Millett; with brother, Solomon, from New Gloucester, served
in Captain Moses Merrill’s Company of Colonel Edmund Phin¬
ney’s 31st Regiment of Foot in 1775, in Siege of Boston. They
could not be the John and Solomon Millett who settled in Norway
unless the dates of their birth given in Centennial History gen¬
ealogies are incorrect.
Nathan Morse, Sen.; Dedham; born June 28, 1741; married, 1763,
Sarah Bacon. He served several enlistments in the Revolution¬
ary War. In one he was a Sergeant.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
89
Benjamin Flint, Sen.; Reading. Captain Riley’s Company, Colonel
Fox’s Regiment. Service nine months. He was 21 years old
and of light complexion.
Nathan Noble, Sen.; Connecticut; born February 3, 1722. Three
times married. Emigrated to Maine, — near Portland. Killed at
the Battle of Saratoga, October 17, 1777.
Reuben Packard; Bridgewater; born 1737; married 1759, Anne Per¬
kins. He, with his two sons, Ichabod, born 1760, and Nehemiah,
born 1762, served in the Revolutionary War. They all emigrated
to Hebron. Ichabod married about 1785, Rachel Cole. Nehemiah
married October, 3785, Betty B. Bray of Minot. Reuben lived
awhile in Buckfield. He died, December 6, 1820, “aged 83.”
Captain Ichabod died April 8, 1814, “aged 54.” Both are buried
in the cemetery, near Hebron town house. Nehemiah died in
Auburn.
John Rowe; Gloucester; born December 16, 1757; married 1791,
Mary Gardner. He served in the Massachusetts Line on the
Continental Establishment and was pensioned under Act of
March 18, 1818, certificate No. 15,755. His wife died in Oxford,
August 20, 1832, “aged 74.” He died in Paris, at his daughter’s,
Mary Sturtevant’s, June 28, 1845.
All the sons of Eliphalet Watson, except the youngest, Daniel,
are said to have served in the Revolutionary War. They were, John,
born in 1741; Ebenezer, born in 1748; Colman P., born 1751;
Eliphalet Jr., born 1759, and James, born 1761. It is not quite cer¬
tain, however, about Ebenezer. He came to Norway with his father
about 1804, and lived here a number of years. John remained in
Gorham and died there; Colman P. and Eliphalet Jr., settled in
Waterford.
Eli Longley; Bolton; born 1762; married 1789, Mary Whitcomb,
born 1767. Settled in Waterford in 1789, and afterwards owned
the place at the Flat which is known as the Dr. Shattuck estab¬
lishment. He was inn-keeper, merchant and first postmaster
there. The date on his sign was 1797. In 1817 he removed to
Raymond and died there.
Samuel Yerrill, Sen.; Gloucester; born May 14, 1733; married
about 1756, Eunice Bray, born 1735. He was a matross or gun¬
ner’s mate in the Artillery, Massachusetts Line. He had red hair
and a fiery temper. Died at Minot Center, May 20, 1821, “aged
88.” She died July 27, 1797, “aged 62.”
Samuel Verrill, Jr.; Gloucester; born August 8, 1757; married
April 24, 1780, Sarah Prince of New Gloucester, born February
17, 1762. Enlisted five times in the War for American Inde¬
pendence. Was fifer in same command in which his father
served. Was two and one-half years in the service. Was pen¬
sioned in 1832. Town clerk and treasurer of Minot for 22 years.
He died there December 15, 1838, “aged 81 years, 4 months.”
His widow died December 19, 1854, “aged 92.” They had a
large family of children. Their daughter Betsey, born February
27, 1791, married James Dinsmore, son of David of the ship
Vengeance, before mentioned.
90
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Henry Rust; Salem. Proprietor of Rustfield. Captain Abram
Dodge’s Company in 1775. Also Captain Robert Dodge’s Com¬
pany. Service, two months, eight days.
Joseph Shackley; Wells. Captain Ebenezer Smith’s Company, 1782.
Muster roll for April, 1783. Balance of enlistment, 21 months,
27 days.
David Reed; Danvers. Service in 1775, 1777, 1778-9.
John Holden; Norton. Captain Samuel Sprague’s Company, Colonel
Samuel Gerrish’s Regiment.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
91
CHAPTER XVI.
War of 1812-15.
At the beginning of the second war with Great Britain in 1812,
there were two militia companies in Norway. The headquarters
of one called the North Company was at Norway Center, — later moved
to Fuller’s Corner, — and officered as follows: Amos Town, Captain;
Ephraim Twombly, Lieutenant, and William Parsons, Jr., Ensign.
The headquarters of the other company denominated the South
Company, was at the village, and Bailey Bodwell was its Captain,
William Twombly, Lieutenant, and Daniel Holt, Ensign. Captain
Bodwell received authority in the summer to raise a company from
Norway for service in the vicinity of Lake Champlain. The ranks
were filled and the officers and men enlisted late in the autumn for
one year’s service, it is said. The Captain and Lieutenant were taken
from the South Company and William Reed was commissioned as
Ensign in place of Daniel Holt. Mr. Reed was the Ensign of the
first Norway military company but had resigned. He had a store
and was the village postmaster at that time. He left his business
when he went away, in charge of his clerk, Ichabod Bartlett, a young
man of seventeen. The company marched away from Norway for
Burlington, Vermont, in the winter following. Jabez Young beat the
drum and George W. Cummings played the fife. A large number of
the citizens, with relatives and friends of the soldiers, thronged the
sidewalks to witness their departure. Asa Dunham, the Revolution¬
ary soldier, and three of the Norway boys, Jabez Young, Seth Pike
and Jacob Tubbs, were destined never to see their homes again. All
died from disease contracted in the service. That march through
the snows of winter, across New Hampshire and Vermont, was a ter¬
rible experience and many of the soldiers suffered great hardships
and contracted disabilities which were ultimately the cause of their
deaths. Joseph Dale, from Norway, was one of those who died soon
after coming back home. The Norway company was assigned to the
45th United States Regiment under command of Colonel D. McCobb.
It was stationed awhile at Burlington, but on the 7th of September,
1814, was transported across the lake to Plattsburg, New York, where
on the 11th of the same month, there was a general engagement with
the enemy on both land and water, in which the Norway company
appears to have been under fire in the forts but no one of them seems
to have received any injury. On the water, in Plattsburg Bay, Com¬
modore Thomas McDonough won a great victory over the British
Commodore Downie, which reflected imperishable renown on the
American Navy. Commodore McDonough was one of the naval
heroes of the United States. He served under Commodore Edward
Preble of Maine in the Expedition of 1803, against the pirates of
Tripoli, and was with Captain Stephen Decatur when the Philadelphia
was recaptured and burnt in the Bay of Tunis the following year.
Ensign William Reed wrote home to his clerk, Ichabod Bartlett,
giving an account of the battle and bombardment of the fort in which
the Norway company was stationed. He stated that he had a fair
view of the whole action on the lake and that it was awfully sublime.
92
HISTORY OF NORWAY
He visited the American fleet two days after the great victory and
learned from the report of the officers, that the British fleet was
“vastly superior to ours in metal as well as men.” Superior manage-'
ment decided the conflict. When the first broadside was fired from
the enemy’s ships a game cock kept as a mascot on the flagship Sara¬
toga, it is said flew upon one of the guns and crowed lustily. The
sailors cheered — regarding it as an omen of victory. Reed further
stated that he stood the action well, but the tremendous singing of the
cannon balls, rockets and bombs was anything but pleasant. He had,
for a time after the battle, command of the provost guard, which gath¬
ered in from four to five hundred of the enemy’s deserters.
Ensign William Reed’s letter is dated September 22, 1814. The
battle had taken place eleven days before. These dates show that
the Norway men of this company were in service in 1814.
The roster of the company was as follows:
Captain, Bailey Bodwell.
Lieutenant, William Twombly.
Ensign, William Reed.
Sergeants
Alvan Boyden Thomas George John Pike
Corporals
Count D. G. Bonney Lewis Stowell
Paul Simpson John Valentine
Fifer, George W. Cummings. Drummer, Jabez Young.
C. Atherton
Isaac Bennett
A. Barnes
Jas. Barrows
Asa Barrows
John Bennett
Nat. Bodwell
M. Cummings
Ebenezer Cobb
Wm. Churchill
Joseph Dale
David Dudley
John B. Knight
John Everett
Jere Farnum
Isaac W. Grant
S. Greenleaf
Charles Hall
Reuben Hearsey
James Hasson
Asa Hicks
P. Hamlin
Thomas Hill
Nat. Jackson
Silas Jones
Frye Lovejoy
S. Latham
Jacob Lebroke
Sam. D. Morgan
Daniel Malloy
Samuel Pike
Melvin Pool
William Pike
Dudley Pike
Benjamin Pratt
Nathan Pratt
James Packard
Seth Pike
Moses Royal
S. Richardson
Jos. Shackley
Antepas Smith
E. Sprague
Jacob Tubbs
John Twombly
Nat. Twombly
John Thurston
John Witt
Sam. P. Weeks
Asa Dunham
Captain Bodwell was not in command of the Norway company in
the battle near Plattsburg. He had left and come home before it
took place, and in the same month marched a Norway company to
Portland on the alarm of British war vessels off the harbor. Cap¬
tain Amos Town also marched another company from Norway there
at the same time. They were gone fourteen days. Captain Bodwell
was court-martialed by a State militia tribunal the next year, on
Paris Hill and was found guilty of the charges preferred against
him — or at least of some of them, and deprived of holding any office in
the militia for one year. This ended his military career. There
seems to be some mystery surrounding the matter as the story has
come down to us. It appears quite clear that it was not a case of
desertion, as the military authorities would have taken cognizance
HISTORY OF NORWAY
93
of it. It appears, too, that Dudley Pike came home in the summer
of 1813, and his son John was at home, when Captain Bodwell
marched his company to Portland in September, 1814, and went with
it as first sergeant. At that very time Ensign Reed was at Platts-
burg, and probably the Norway company that marched away in the
winter of 1812-13. We find in a letter from Sergeant John Pike to
his father in August, 1813, that the Norway company had not at that
date, for some reason, been mustered into the service of the United
States and that it was his purpose as soon as he could do so to get
an honorable discharge and come home. That he did there can
be no doubt. Just at what time the Norway company at Plattsburg
as an organization did come home, does not appear, but probably all
that were there when the great victory took place, were allowed to
return to their homes soon after.
A treaty of peace between the United States and Great Britain,
was signed at Ghent, Belgium, in November, 1814, but the news did
not reach this country till after General Jackson’s great victory at
New Orleans, La., January 8, 1815. This battle made him famous
and afterwards gave him the presidency. He was the first and most
illustrious of the democratic Presidents of the United States.
94
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XVII.
The Aroostook War.
The “Aroostook War” of 1839 appears at this day as a huge bur¬
lesque, and in the time of it, the wonder is that it was not treated
with the ridicule it deserved, for the idea of Gov. John Fairfield
and his counsellors settling by force of arms a boundary difficulty
between the United States (though it was over territory claimed by
the State of Maine) and Great Britain is so preposterous as to cause
derision.
And when it is further considered that militia companies were
marched to Augusta through the March snows, the proceedings ap¬
pear to have been inspired by anything but rational considerations.
The leaders must have realized that the United States Government
at Washington would not have permitted Governor Fairfield to em¬
broil it in a war with Great Britain. Why then was this movement
CAPT. AMOS F. NOYES
taken? Politics was undoubtedly the cause. Governor Fairfield was
playing this farce for political prestige for himself and for the pur¬
pose of strengthening his party. But whatever the purpose, it failed.
The next year Maine went “hell bent” for Gov. Edward Kent, and
Fairfield was righteously defeated.
To the men drafted from the militia companies, who marched to
Augusta in dead of winter and quartered there several weeks, it was
anything but a joke.
At this period, in Norway, there were as heretofore two militia
companies called the North Company and South Company. The offi¬
cers of the first were Amos F. Noyes, Captain; Alvah Hobbs, Lieu¬
tenant; and Washington French, Ensign. The other had for officers,
Cephas Sampson, Captain; William Noble, Lieutenant; and Jonathan
Whitehouse, Ensign.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
95
Governor Fairfield called for one company from Norway — the men
and non-commissioned officers to be drafted from the two companies.
For some reason which does not clearly appear, the commissioned
officers of the North Company were selected for the new company re¬
quired.
Captain Noyes and his neighbors were gathered one Sunday for
religious services at the neighborhood school-house. The house was
well filled. The songs of praise had begun within when a trumpet
blast from without startled the congregation. All rushed out into
the yard. There was an officer of the militia in uniform on horse¬
back. At the appearance of the people he rose in his stirrups and
shouted :
“To arms! To arms! The Bluenoses are coming!”
This officer was Nathan Marble from Paris Hill. Mr. Marble was
a fine looking man in uniform and was an excellent rider. He had
a splendid voice, and on account of this had been selected as court
crier and served with appreciation if not distinction for many terms
of the court in that capacity.
The effect of this announcement upon the gathering was indescrib¬
able. A scene of great confusion followed. Screams and yells of fear
rent the air. Some tore their hair in a frenzy of consternation;
women fainted.
Settling back into his saddle the officer, holding his reins in his
left hand, took with the other a paper from his pocket and began
to read. It was an order for the company of Captain Noyes to ap¬
pear at Paris Hill on a certain day, to stand a draft of men to march
to meet the dreaded enemy who were invading the State.
After completing the reading, the officer, giving a parting salute,
by the wave of his sword to Captain Noyes, thrust it back into the
scabbard, turned and galloped away.
Captain Noyes long afterwards passed through some terrible
scenes but it is doubtful whether, for a short time, his nerves were
ever more shaken. No further services were held in the little school-
house that day. The people went sorrowfully home, their minds
oppressed with the weight of impending disaster and peril.
The draft in due time took place, and the company formed under
the officers named was marched to Augusta, which was reached on
the 6th day of March, after a two days tramp, over roads not the
best for that time of year. The route from Norway was over Paris
Hill to Buckfield, and thence to North Turner and through Readfield.
Captain Noyes’ company never went farther east than Augusta.
No “Bluenoses” were encountered. The United States Government
took the matter in hand and authorized the raising of 10,000 troops,
if they should be required. The Maine militia were not needed and
Captain Noyes finally marched his company home, where it was
joyfully received.
About all the good that ever came out of this affair to any of
the Norway men, was the experience to Captain Noyes of taking care
of his soldiers during a campaign, which some years later he turned
to good account.
96
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Joseph Dearborn
Nathaniel Noble
Jere Foster
Phineas Doble
D. M. Bancroft
C. D. Bosworth
Jas. S. Benson
Lucius Bonney
E. S. Crockett
Martin Crockett
Sol. Crockett
Benj. Corson
G. D. Coburn
Cyrus Cole
J. Cummings
ROSTER OF THE COMPANY
Captain, Amos F. Noyes
Lieut., Alvah Hobbs
Ensign, W. French
, Sergeants
Isaac W. Grant
William Jordan
Corporals
Ansel Stevens
Nathaniel Sampson
James S. Greenleaf, Drummer
Privates
Walter B. Drew
James Deering
Eleazer Ellis
Seth Faunce
Wm. Frost, 3rd
Henry Frost
N. Frank
Nat. Foster, Jr.
Isaac P. Gurney
John Gurney
Benjamin Hill
Dudley B. Holt
Joseph Horr
Luther Linnell
Nathaniel Lord
H. B. Lovejoy
N. Morse, Jr.
Jesse Morgan
L. H. Noble
B. Peabody, Jr.
P. L. Pike
Andrew Pratt
A. S. Pratt
Aaron W. Rich
D. Richardson
L. Richardson
Cyrus Shaw
W. Stevens
Ellis Standish
E. Thayer
Hanson Tarbox
Wm. P. Witt
HISTORY OF NORWAY
97
CHAPTER XVIII.
Norway Soldiers in the Rebellion.
Hostilities between the North and South began by the bombard¬
ment and capture of Fort Sumter, in the harbor of Charleston, South
Carolina, by the Insurgents, April 12, 1861. The sectional trouble
had arisen over the question of negro slavery in the territories of
the United States. The North insisted that there should be no more
slave territory within its borders or in its future acquisition of lands,
and upon this issue elected Abraham Lincoln of Illinois, President
in 1860.
On the fall of Fort Sumter, President Lincoln called for volunteers
to maintain the national authority and put down the Rebellion. One
regiment was called for, from Maine. Of its ten companies, Norway
furnished the greater part of one and was wholly officered by Norway
men. At that time, there was a company of militia here of which
George L. Beal was Captain. In 1855, the Norway Light Infantry
had been organized with William Wirt Virgin, a practising lawyer in
the village, as Captain. He had been promoted to Major General
and was of great assistance in the organization of this company and
the regiment of which it formed a part, and other bodies of troops
that subsequently went to the war from Maine. He went himself the
next year in command of the 23rd Maine Regiment, enlisted for nine
months, as its Colonel. The Norway company v»as mustered into the
service May 3rd, at Portland, for three months, as Company G, and
soon thereafter transported to Washington, D. C., where it went into
camp on Meridian Hill on the Maryland side of the Potomac. A
serious illness had broken out among the men of the 1st Maine and for
this with other reasons, it did not take part in the disastrous battle
of Bull Run, as the 2d, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Regiments did.
There were no casualties among the Norway men and all returned
to their homes on being mustered out at the expiration of their term
of service.
The men from Norway were:
Captain, George L. Beal
First Lieut., Henry Rust, Jr.
Sec. Lieut., Jonathan Blake
Wm. W. Whitmarsh
Henry R. Millett
Caleb C. Buck
John F. Fitz
Sergeants
Corporals
Privates
Claudius M. Favor
George W. Sholes
David L. Butterfield
Wellington Hobbs, Musician
Frank L. Berry
Philo S. Cherry
Grosv. Crockett
Jas. C. Davis
Jere Dempsey
Wallace Foster
Jere Foster, Jr
A. C. Gammon
Wm. F. Hale
Wm. F. Hill
I. Frank Hobbs
G. P. Jordan
F. R. Merriam
Darius F. Pike
Chas. Thompson
H. F. Warren
98
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CAPT. W. W. WHITMARSH
GEN. GEO. L. BEAL
GEN. HARRY RUST
CAPT. JONATHAN BLAKE CAPT. HENRY R. MILLETT
HISTORY OF NORWAY
99
In the 5th Maine Regiment, in June, 1861, six Norway men had
enlisted for three years. They were Horace Cole, musician, Co.
E, Isaac C. Cross, Asa D. Jordan, H. Joseph Faulkner, Ephraim C.
Penley, and Rufus C. Penley, privates, Co. I. The last mentioned
died in the service.
The 10th Maine Regiment was organized in the autumn of 1861,
and mustered into the service in October, for two years, to date from
May 3rd, as being the reorganized 1st Maine Regiment. How this
was brought about is not quite clear, but it seems to have been a case
of sharp practice. Gen. George L. Beal, who was colonel of the
10th, once informed the writer that there was no other instance of
the kind in the whole country. Probably it was made to appear that
substantially the same officers would serve in the 10th who had in the
1st. This was true of the Norway company at least. This organ¬
ization was one of the best drilled and neatest dressed in the army.
It participated in General Banks’ Retreat down the Shenandoah Val¬
ley, Va., to Williamsport in May, 1862, as rear guard, and was in
the battles of Cedar Mountain, Va., and Antietam, Md., in which the
Regiment suffered great losses. Col. Beal was seriously wounded at
Antietam. The Norway company (G) in both battles was ably com¬
manded by Sec. Lieut. Henry R. Millett (a son of old Major Henry W.
Millett), who was always called “Little Major Millett,” as both Capt.
Jonathan Blake and First Lieut. William W. Whitmarsh were then on
the sick list.
The regiment was mustered out at Portland in May, 1863, and
the three years men who had joined since the organization, were
formed into the 10th Maine Battalion. The Norway men in these
commands were:
Colonel, George L. Beal
Com. Sergt., Charles Thompson
Captain, Jonathan Blake
First Lieut., Wm. W. Whitmarsh
Sec. Lieut., Henry R. Millett
Sergeants
John F. Fitz William F. Hale
Corporals
Jere Dempsey Lucius I. Bartlett
Drummer, Harrison Noble
Wagoner, Samuel S. Yates
Privates — Marcus C. Bartlett, Frank J. Bradbury, James Crockett,
Charles F. Greenleaf, Charles Hall, James L. Merrill, Charles Mat¬
thews, Darius F. Pike, and Charles S. Robbins (Company C). Later,
there joined the Norway company as three years men, Kenneth L.
Bartlett, Charles W. Dinsmore, Solomon Greenleaf, Charles F. Mil¬
lett and Charles M. Pressey.
Henry Rust, Jr., had been appointed as Captain of the Norway
company on its organization, but was soon commissioned as Lieut.-
Colonel of the 13th Maine Regiment, which was in service in
Louisiana. He was promoted to Colonel and to Brevet Brig. General.
100
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Kenneth L. Bartlett was mortally wounded at Cedar Mountain, and
his brother, Marcus C. Bartlett, at Antietam. Charles M. Pressey
was killed at Antietam. Charles Matthews died at Berlin, Maryland.
Amos F. Noyes, who had risen to the rank of Lieut. Colonel
in the old militia, raised a company for the war in the autumn of
1861. It was his purpose to join the 13th Maine, of which Henry
Rust had been appointed Lieut. Colonel, but the ranks of that
regiment were full when Captain Noyes’ company was ready for
muster, and it became a part of the 14th Maine, as Company G.
Colonel Noyes had generously allowed a Portland man to be commis¬
sioned as Captain — he taking a commission as First Lieut. The
regiment served in Gen. B. F. Butler’s Department of the Gulf. The
Norway company was in the severe battle of Baton Rouge, La.,
where the Union Army gained a great victory. Lieut. Noyes had
previously resigned on account of an injury received. In 1864, the
14th Maine Regiment participated in the battles of the Opequan and
Cedar Creek. Its losses from casualties in battle and disease were
very great. Company G had the greatest number of men from Nor¬
way of any that went from the town to the war, and the largest
number of deaths. The Norway men in this Company were:
First. Lieut., Amos F. Noyes
Capt. by pro., I. Frank Hobbs
Musician, Francis M. Noble
Sergeants
Austin C. Hayes John G. Hayes
Francis D. Mixer Archelaus Fuller
Privates
Isa. M. Burnell John C. Frost Timothy Jordan Daniel Pike
Grosv. Crockett Weston Frost James Merrill Josiah H. Smith
Alvin Davis David L. Holden J. P. Lovejoy Henry Tucker
David Flood, Jr. H. B. Holden Ezra A. Merrill O. Wilkins
George Foster Daniel Holt, 2d David A. Morse Benj. Whitcomb
Jere Foster, Jr. A.L. Hutchinson Wm. H. Noble G. E. Needham
Geo. W. Frost C. Hutchinson N. W. Penley A. M. Merriam
The last named, who enlisted early in 1864, with Flood, Mixer,
Fuller, and Francis M. Noble who had re-enlisted became members
of Co. B of the new 14th Maine Regiment, and were discharged
with the company in August, 1865.
Sergt. Austin C. Hayes was killed at Baton Rouge, La. Ezra A.
Merrill died from wounds received at Cedar Creek, Va. Daniel Pike
was captured at Baton Rouge, and died in a rebel prison, and Isaiah
M. Burnell, Alvin Davis, George W. Frost, John G. Hayes, Harrison
B. Holden, Chandler Hutchinson, David A. Morse, George E. Needham,
Josiah H. Smith and Benjamin F. Whitcomb died from disease con¬
tracted in the service and are buried in National Cemetery at New
Orleans.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
101
In the summer of 1862, a company was recruited in Norway and
Paris for the 17th Maine Regiment. It received the name of Com¬
pany F. The regiment was in the battles of Chancellorsville, Gettys¬
burg, and the conflicts of the Wilderness campaign and the Siege
of Petersburg. It was one of the fighting regiments of the Union
Armies. It was mustered out at Portland, June 4, 1865. The Nor¬
way men were :
Capt. Uriah W. Briggs pro. from First Lieut.
Capt. Wellington Hobbs pro. from the ranks.
Sec. Lieut. Asa D. Charles pro. from the ranks.
Ord. Sergt. Hannibal S. Warren.
Sergt. C. C. Cole.
Corps., A. C. Gammon, Cyrus S. Tucker.
Privates
Eph. H. Brown Calvin Holt Edw. F. Morse L. A. Whitcomb
E. W. Bumpus P. G. Jordan Chas. H. Morse
Frank W. Hill Wm. D. Merrill Chas. D. Noble
In Company C, raised at Mechanic Falls, were: Ord. Sergt.
George W. Verrill, promoted to Captain; Sumner W. Burnham, pro¬
moted from the ranks to Sec. Lieut., for bravery, and Fessenden
M. Mills.
Wellington Hobbs, Sumner W. Burnham and Charles D. Noble
were given the Kearney medals for bravery under fire.
Capt. Wellington Hobbs was killed on the picket line in front
of Petersburg, in October, 1864, before being mustered as Captain,
Levi A. Whitcomb at Chancellorsville, Albert C. Gammon in front of
Petersburg and Calvin Holt and Fessenden M. Mills died from wounds
received at Gettysburg, and Edward W. Bumpus died from disease.
In Company I was Darius Richardson who enlisted in November,
1863, and died from disease contracted in the service, June 28, 1864.
Gen. Wm. Wirt Virgin organized the 23rd Maine regiment
of nine months men in the summer of 1862, of which he was com¬
missioned Colonel. The regiment was mustered into the service in
September, at Portland.
Capt. Amos F. Noyes, who had partially recovered from the
injury he had received, while serving in the Department of the Gulf,
in Co. G, 14th Maine Regiment, raised a company for it and
he was selected as Captain of Co. H. The regiment was in no
battle and was stationed to guard the fords of the Potomac between
Washington and Harper’s Ferry. The 23rd Regiment started for
home to be mustered out late in June, 1863, while General Lee’s army
was invading Pennsylvania. When it reached Philadelphia, the
city authorities tried to get it to stay there till the Rebel Army
should be driven back across the Potomac or captured, but this
was refused and it kept on to Maine and was mustered out July 15th.
This action of refusing to stop in Philadelphia was deeply regretted
102
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CAPT. SYLVANUS COBB
CAPT. WELLINGTON HOBBS
COL. WM. W. VIRGIN
CAPT. I. FRANK HOBBS
LIEUT. S. W. BURNHAM
HISTORY OF NORWAY
103
afterwards, because all through the war that city had furnished
free entertainment for all Union soldiers passing through the city.
The Norway men in the 23rd Maine were:
Colonel, Wm. Wirt Virgin
Chaplain, Joseph C. Snow
Co. H. — Capt., Amos F. Noyes
Corporal, William E. Frost
Musician, Henry A. Hutchinson
Wagoner, William H. Foster
Privates
William F. Cox C. L. Hathaway Chas. S. Penley G. Whitehouse
James Danforth Isaac H. Jordan L. D. Randall Chas. A. Voung
Gilbert L. Fiske Joseph E. Long Francis H. Reed
Nathan Foster Lewis Lovejoy F. H. Shackley
Mark F. Frost Wm. H. Noble L. Sampson
All came home but Mark F. Frost, who died at Orfutt’s Cross
Roads, Md., December 7, 1862. Henry Shattuck, who had enlisted,
died before being mustered.
The following men were drafted in July, 1863:
James Smith
Geo. F. Leonard
Fred H. Holmes
M. H. Merriam
D. L. Cummings
Wm. H. Hillier
Elijah Holt
H. B. Stevens
Irving Frost
Horatio Durell
Thos. J. Everett
Wm. F. Merrill
Wm. F. Foster
S. W. Sanders
John N. Pingree
Hiram Merrill
W. H. Churchill
Lewis O’Brien
Gilbert Fiske
S. T. Blanchard
A. Thompson
George A. Cole
Bradley Frost
Geo. F. Cary
Cyrus H. Witt
H. T. Merrill
Geo. F. Smith
S. H. Gammon
C. B. Cummings
Isaac W. Abbott
David F. Flint
C. W. Partridge
Wm. A. Merrill
Leonard Flint
John H. Witt
W. D. Frost
N. C. Sampson
James L. Payne
Isaac C. Cross
H. S. Judkins
Geo. H. Burgess
W. H. Woodbury
George S. Ames
R. Young
Leonard Flint paid $300, instead of going into the army. Gilbert
L. Fiske had been in the service and later re-enlisted. None of the
others entered the army.
And in this connection of the draft it may be said that some
eighteen or twenty persons from Norway went to Canada to escape
the draft, where a very few stayed till the war was over. Some were
young men, and were over-persuaded during the draft excitement to
leave the country, who deeply regretted it during the rest of their
lives. Some came back and procured substitutes. The greater num¬
ber of them would never have been accepted by the examining sur¬
geons as fit for soldiers. The author has a list of their names, which
was given to him by the late Winthrop Stevens, who was many years
an officer and was living here at the time.
There was some disloyalty, but not to the extent of resisting the
draft as at Kingfield, or of forming a company for that avowed pur¬
pose as at North Buckfield, which ended in nothing but talk. The
writer was informed when he was teaching the school on Crockett
Ridge in the winter of 1865-6 that one Wilkins living in the neighbor¬
hood had declared when the news of President Lincoln’s assasination
104
HISTORY OF NORWAY
was received, that he was glad of it. One of our neighbors in Buck-
field made the same declaration. Happily there is no one today,
South or North, who would utter such sentiments. If Abraham
Lincoln had lived, we now know that there would have been no carpet¬
bag or negro governments in the South. The man that murdered
him did the South an irreparable injury, and placed President Lincoln
among the greatest and best of the human race.
Col. George L. Beal, very soon after the 10th Maine Regiment
was discharged, with other officers of that organization, took measures
to raise another body of men for the war. Company G recruited at
Norway, became a part of it. The regiment was denominated the
29th Maine, and Beal was commissioned as its Colonel. William W.
Whitmarsh was appointed Captain of Co. G, and Henry R. Millett,
First Lieut. Millett was afterward commissioned as Captain of
Co. E.
Col. Beal was promoted to Brig.-Gen. and Major-Gen. by brevet.
The regiment was in service in the Department of the Gulf, and
took part in the disastrous Red River campaign of Gen. N. P. Banks
in the spring of 1864. The officers and men at Sabine Cross Roads,
La., covered themselves with glory. They held the most critical posi¬
tion of our troops in the battle and the enemy’s advance was checked.
The regiment covered the retreat of the army down the river.
The 10th Maine Battalion joined the regiment of which it was to
form a part, and served with it in the Shenandoah Valley campaign.
The 29th Maine with other troops, was transferred to Washington
the following summer and formed a part of Gen. P. H. Sheridan’s
Army in the Shenandoah Valley, and participated in the battles of
the Opequan, Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek, where Sheridan, riding
from Winchester, twenty miles away, turned disastrous defeat into
a glorious victory.
After the war closed the regiment was stationed in S. C. till the
summer of 1866, when its officers and men were mustered out at
Hilton Head, on the 21st of June.
The Norway men in the 29th Maine, were:
Colonel, George L. Beal
Q. Master, Charles Thompson
Co. G: Capt., Wm. W. Whitmarsh
First Lieut., Henry R. Millett, pro. Capt. Co. E
Sergt., William P. Johnson
Corporals
Frank B. Morse Joseph E. Long
James Crockett Harrison Noble
Wagoner, William H. Foster
Privates
Stephen Buzzell John H. Lovejoy G. M. Burnell A. B. Crockett
C. A. Callahan W. E. Morse C. B. Burnell Chas. Chambers
Jere Foster Theo. Whitney William C. Cole James Cox
In Co. A were Atwood Gammon and Andrew P. Greenleaf.
In Co. B were Charles Pike, musician, David F. Frost and Nathan
Foster.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
105
Andrew P. Greenleaf, with John H. Lovejoy mortally wounded,
was killed at Cedar Creek. Calvin B. Burnell was drowned in steam¬
boat collision in New York harbor on his way home, May 27, 1864.
Harrison Noble was wounded at Cedar Creek so seriously as to cause
the loss of an arm. Willard E. Morse, David F. Frost, Nathan Foster
and James Cox from New Hampshire, serving on the quota of Nor¬
way, died from disease.
The last company that was organized for the war in Norway was
Co. B, 32nd Maine Regiment, and was recruited by Capt. Amos
F. Noyes and others. It was mustered into the United States
service at Augusta in March, 1864. The demand for troops for the
spring campaign, was so urgent that the first six companies including
Co. B, under command of Major Arthur Deering, was sent April 20th,
to Washington, and on the 12th of May, participated in the Battle
of Spottsylvania C. H. The other four companies joined them at the
North Anna. The regiment took part in the remaining battles of the
campaign, the Mine Explosion, and Siege of Petersburg. The losses
were so great, that on the 12th of December, 1864, the 32nd Maine
numbering 485, was consolidated with the 31st Maine, many of the
officers and men, among them being Capt. Amos F. Noyes, who was
wounded in the shoulder at Spottsylvania, being discharged. The 31st
Maine was mustered out at Alexandria, Va., July 15, 1865.
The Norway men in the two regiments were:
Captain, Amos F. Noyes
Sergeants
Gilbert L. Fiske Levi C. Fogg
Hezekiah E. Brown
Corporals
Freeman H. Shackley Charles R. Atwood
Osmond Towne William F. Cox
Musician, Nathaniel P. Hale
Wagoner, Lorenzo D. Hobbs
Privates
H. A. Bradbury Benj. G. Holt Wm. C. Mallett L. D. Randall
Edw. J. Flood Henry Judkins Wm. H. Noble
In Company S were Corp. Samuel Lord, Lewis Lovejoy and Eliab
R. Frost. Frost died from accidental gunshot wound.
In Co. G were Nathaniel G. Frost, Joseph H. Herrick and Corp.
William O. Needham. Frost was wounded and taken prisoner at
the Mine Explosion, and had a leg amputated. Herrick was cap¬
tured and died in a Rebel prison, November 21, 1864. Gilbert L.
Fiske was killed on the picket line, July 10, 1864. Freeman H.
Shackley was wounded and lost a leg and died soon after discharge.
Charles R. Atwood was killed in action July 30, 1864. Levi C. Fogg
and Osmond Towne died from disease — the latter, June 25, 1864.
106
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., who was Captain of the Norway Light In¬
fantry company, was in the United States service with his men at
Fort McClary, Kittery, from April 27 to July 9, 1864.
The Norway men of the company were:
Captain, Sylvanus Cobb, Jr.
Sec. Lieut., Claudius M. Favor
Henry Tucker
Arthur E. Denison
Sergeants
Corporals
George A. Cole
Privates
B. G. Barrows
Jas. G. Bradley
C. B. Cummings
James C. Drew
William D. Earl
C. J. Edgecomb
Wm. E. Frost
Edwin Fisher
A. Gammon
Abram Green
A. P. Greenleaf
Jos. F. Herrick
George F. Howe
F. H. Hamlin
Levi E. Holden
Geo. F. Leonard
Wm. F. Merrill
Wm. A. Merrill
Hiram Merrill
Chas. F. Millett
C. M. Mallett
Benj. H. Noble
E. J. Newhall
Chas. S. Penley
James M. Favor
Wallace Foster
Isa. V. Penley
W. S. Partridge
Frank H. Reed
Oliver Shackley
Edw. F. Stevens
C. M. Smith
John Tucker
R. Young
In Co. F, Maine Coast Guards from January 6, 1865, to July 7,
1865, were the following Norway men: Corps. Charles F. Millett,
Charles C. Cole; Privates, Fitzroy Bennett and William F. Cox; Wal¬
lace Foster, Oliver W. H. Judkins, Amos C. Judkins, William F. Mer¬
rill, Albert E. Pike, Columbus Richardson, Jason F. Rowe, William
W. Twombly.
First Lieut. Lucius Denison Fisher served in Co. B, and Charles
H. Mclntire in Co. K, 30th Maine. Horace Cole, after discharge from
the 5th Maine, in the Navy, Horatio B. Downer, Co. D, Me. H. A.
was killed in front of Petersburg. James Merrill, Co. M. Me. H. A.
was killed in the Wilderness campaign, May 19, 1864. William H.
Smith and Clark Mallard, a substitute, Co. F, 9th Maine — the latter
died from disease.
Capt. Wright Bisbee served in the 7th Massachusetts regiment,
William A. Evans in the 28th Massachusetts and was killed at Spott-
sylvania. Aaron Brown and Stidman Bennett, in other Massachu¬
setts regiments, died in the service. James L. Merrill in United
States Signal Service, died at Norfolk, Va., September 13, 1864.
Henry O. Beal, Henry T. Merrill, James Merrill, Joseph H. Newhall,
Charles A. Smith, and Stephen C. Yeaton, served in organizations
out of the state.
Edward G. Freeman and William H. Rollins, enlisted in March,
1865, in the 27th Unassigned Company. It was not called into the
service.
D. Webster Beal, Jackson Clark, Roswell Frost, Nathan A. Foster,
David W. Frost, George F. Evans, Nathan W. Millett, Amos K.
Towne, Ceylon Watson, William H. Whitcomb, and John W. Parsons
furnished substitutes. They were: Richard Rowe, William Sears,
Charles Anderson, John Harris, John Kelly, George W. Wilson,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
107
Charles Nelson, John McCanliff, Joseph Hunton, Fred Wilson.
Joseph Hunton, Whitcomb’s substitute, died in the service.
The Adjutant General’s Reports state that Norway was credited
at Augusta with 248 men. The foregoing pages show that in all
there were 260 including Captain Sylvanus Cobb, Jr.’s company of
Maine militia which was in the United States service for 72 days.
There are doubtless some errors as the Adjutant General’s Reports
in many instances give the names of some soldiers as being from Nor¬
way in one part and from another town in a different place. There
were over 50 re-enlistments. About 200 different men from Norway
took part first and last in the great conflict which restored the au¬
thority of the United States and abolished Slavery. Over half a
million of men — the flower of the North — lost their lives or were per¬
manently disabled. No Norway boy went to the war against his will.
Sad indeed was the loss of so many noble spirits but sadder still
was the murder of President Abraham Lincoln, in the hour of his
great triumph, cut off from the work he had laid out to do. This
work was never done.
Roll of Norway’s Patriot Dead.
Captain Wellington Hobbs, killed at Petersburg, Va., buried in
Rustfield Cemetery.
Sergeant Gilbert L. Fiske, killed at Petersburg, Va., buried in
Pine Grove Cemetery.
William A. Evans, killed at Spottsylvania, Va.; buried in Pine
Grove Cemetery.
James Merrill, killed at Spottsylvania, Va. ; buried in Fredericks¬
burg National Cemetery.
Levi A. Whitcomb, killed at Spottsylvania, Va.; buried in Fred¬
ericksburg National Cemetery with unknown dead.
Albert C. Gammon, killed at Petersburg, Va.; buried there.
Charles R. Atwood, killed at Petersburg, Va.; buried there.
Horatio B. Downer, killed at Petersburg, Va. ; buried there.
Andrew P. Greenleaf, killed at Cedar Creek, Va. ; buried there.
Charles M. Pressey, killed at Antietam, Md.; buried there.
Austin C. Hayes, killed at Baton Rouge, La.; buried there.
Died from Wounds.
John H. Lovejoy, mortally wounded at Cedar Creek; buried there.
Ezra A. Merrill, mortally wounded at Cedar Creek; buried there.
Kenneth L. Bartlett, mortally wounded at Cedar Mountain; buried
at Culpepper C. H., Va.
Marcus C. Bartlett, mortally wounded at Antietam; buried in
National Cemetery there.
Fessenden M. Mills, mortally wounded at Gettysburg, Pa.; buried
in National Cemetery there.
Calvin Holt, mortally wounded at Gettysburg, Pa.; buried in
Soldiers Home Cemetery at Washington.
108
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Eliab R. Frost, died from accidental wound; buried in Arlington
National Cemetery at Washington.
Calvin B. Burnell, drowned in steamboat collision in New York
harbor.
Died in Rebel Prisons.
Daniel W. Pike, prisoner at Baton Rouge, La.; place of burial
unknown.
Joseph H. Herrick, prisoner at Mine Explosion, Petersburg; buried
at Salisbury, N. C.
Died from Disease.
Stidman Bennett, buried in Pine Grove.
Levi C. Fogg, buried in Pine Grove.
Rufus C. Penley, buried in Pine Grove.
James L. Merrill, buried in Pine Grove.
Willard E. Morse, buried in Rustfield Cemetery.
Edward W. Bumpus, buried in Rustfield Cemetery.
Henry Shattuck, buried in Rustfield Cemetery.
Osmond Towne, buried at City Point, Va.
George S. Foster, buried at Alexandria, Va.
George E. Needham, buried at Ship Island, Miss.
Mark F. Frost, buried at Orfutt’s Cross Roads, Md.
Charles H. Matthews, buried at Berlin, Md.
James Cox, substitute; place of burial unknown.
Joseph Hunton, substitute; place of burial unknown.
Clark Mallard, place of burial unknown.
Darius Richardson, place of burial unknown.
Isaiah M. Burnell, buried in National Cemetery at New Orleans.
Alvin Davis, buried in National Cemetery at New Orleans, La.
Nathan Foster, buried in National Cemetery at New Orleans, La.
David Francis Frost, buried at New Orleans, La.
George W. Frost, buried in National Cemetery at New Orleans, La.
John G. Hayes, buried in National Cemetery at New Orleans, La.
Harrison B. Holden, buried at New Orleans, La.
Chandler Hutchinson, buried at New Orleans, La.
David A. Morse, buried in National Cemetery at New Orleans, La.
Josiah H. Smith, buried in National Cemetery at New Orleans, La.
Benjamin F. Whitcomb, buried at New Orleans, La.
Total 48.
Kenneth L. Bartlett was the youngest of these soldiers to die.
He was 17. The oldest was James Merrill, whose age was 47. The
first one to die was George E. Needham, at Ship Island, April 11, 1862.
The first to be killed in battle was Sergeant Austin C. Hayes at Baton
Rouge, Aug. 5, 1862. The last one to perish on the battlefield was
John H. Lovejoy, at Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864, a few hours later
than Andrew P. Greenleaf. The last one to die while in the army
was Joseph H. Herrick in the Rebel prison at Salisbury, N. C., Novem¬
ber 21, 1864.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
109
Lucius I. Bartlett and Kenneth L. Bartlett were taken prisoners at
Culpepper Court House; Charles W. Dinsmore at Chancellorsville;
Ezra A. Merrill, George S. Foster and Daniel Pike at Baton Rouge;
Nathaniel G. Frost, Henry N. Judkins and Joseph H. Herrick at
Mine Explosion, Petersburg. All were paroled and exchanged but
Kenneth L. Bartlett, Daniel Pike and Joseph H. Herrick.
110
HISTORY OF NORWAY
NORWAY. MAINE, APRIL 1898. CO. D. N. G., CAPT. FRANK BARTLETT, MARCHING
TO STATION ON THEIR WAY TO CH IC KA M AUG A, TENN. — TO AWAIT ORDERS TO
GO TO CUBA. SPANISH WAR.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
111
CHAPTER XIX.
Norway in the Spanish War.
The war between the United States and Spain was caused by the
destruction of the battleship Maine in the harbor of Havana, Cuba,
February 15, 1898, by which 266 officers and men of the United States
Navy were killed. After an official investigation, during which prep¬
arations for the struggle were vigorously pushed, war was declared
on the 25th of April, following. At first there was a fear among the
people of the Atlantic coast states, that their cities and towns would
be bombarded and destroyed by the fleets of the enemy, but this was
soon dissipated by the order of the British Government, restricting the
coaling of war vessels and their stay in English ports. At last
Great Britain had come to see that its best policy was to cultivate
friendship with her kindred on this side of the ocean. It was an im¬
partial order theoretically but as Spain was so far away and had so
few ports in America which would be of any practical use in time of
war, it worked out favorably for the United States. The war was
short and very few lives on the part of this government were sacri¬
ficed. Nothing like it in this respect in the history of any war was
ever known before. The brilliant feats performed by the forces of
the United States, were the destruction of the Spanish fleet in Manila
Bay in the Philippine Islands by Commodore George Dewey, without
the loss of a single marine, May 1; the capture of San Juan Hill,
Cuba; the campaign of General Nelson A. Miles in Porto Rico; the
race of the battleship Oregon from San Francisco, California, through
the Straits of Magellan to reinforce our fleet of war ships in West
Indian waters; and the destruction, without loss, of Admiral Cervera’s
fleet off Santiago, Cuba, July 3, which virtually brought the war to a
close. Spain acknowledged the independence of Cuba, and ceded
Porto Rico, the Philippines, Guam and some other small islands to
the United States.
On the declaration of war, one regiment was called from Maine
and one company was largely recruited from the company of the
National Guard here, composed of men from Norway, Paris and
neighboring towns. It was denominated Company D of the regiment,
which was camped on the old battlefield of Chickamauga, Ga., till the
close of hostilities, when it was ordered home. The officers and men
of the company were mustered out at Norway the last of October,
after a service of six months. Only one Norway soldier died, Capt.
Frank T. Bartlett, July 3, who had been sick but two or three days.
His l-emains were brought home for burial. Several boys from Nor¬
way contracted diseases from which they never recovered, and one
or two died.
The following are the names of the Norway boys who served in
the regiment:
Capt., Frank T. Bartlett
Sec. Lieut., John W. Nash
Ord. Sergt., Wallace W. Sheen
Q. M. Sergt., Merton L. Kimball
Musician, Ralph I. Trask
112
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Sergeants.
Charles S. Bartlett
Horace H. Cole
Benjamin F. Faunce
Alfred L. Lafarriere
Ray Bradbury
Corporals.
Ross L. Bickford
C. C. Adams
Privates.
Ervin A. Bean C. E. Cragin S. A. Jackman H. S. McAllister
A. H. Bodkin Herbert I. Holt Jos. H. Jewett Chas. Morse
Earl D. Brown T. L. Heath J. Lummis, Jr.
Maj. B. F. Bradbury, Brigade Surgeon
Sec. Lieut., A. J. Stearns, Co. C.
A number of Norway boys went to Augusta to be mustered into
Company D, but were rejected by the examining surgeons. Among
these were W. A. Lewis, Eugene F. Hayden, W. M. Heath, George H.
Cullinan, Charles W. Jackson, F. A. Wentworth and Lee M. Watson.
H. Denison Cole was in the hospital service of the regular army,
in the Philippines, and came home by way of the Sandwich Islands
and California — completing a trip around the world.
Myron Cherry served in another organization and died October 18,
1898, in his 21st year. James H. Jewett and Ralph I. Trask con¬
tracted disabilities while in the army, and died after their discharge.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
113
CHAPTER XX.
Norway Village in 1825.
I was born in Norway village, February 1, 1819, and am I believe
the oldest living person who is a native of the place. My parents
were Daniel and Susan (Bennett) Smith. They were born in New
Gloucester, then a frontier town in the District of Maine. My mother
was a cousin of Uncle Nat. Bennett, one of the first settlers in the
township, afterwards called Norway and one of the most interesting
characters of his day. My grandfather Josiah Smith was a native
of Beverly, Mass. All my ancestors, as far back as I can learn were
men of peace. None of them or of my descendants has ever figured
in courts of law, either as plaintiff or defendant.
My father, however, was a deputy sheriff for awhile, after the
County of Oxford was incorporated, but he disliked the business and
gave it up.
SEBASTIAN S. SMITH
At the time of my earliest recollection, there were but about 35
dwelling houses in the place. At the head of the village where Mr.
Gorge A. Cole resides, Samuel Ames lived in 1825. His business was
to tend the grist mill built on the north side of the “outlet” to the
great pond. It was on the site of the old mill now used by C. B.
Cummings & Sons as a lumber mill. The first grist mill was erected
by Henry Rust, the proprietor of Rustfield (the southern part of the
present town of Norway) in 1789. Mr. Ames was the first miller —
a position he held for over 40 years. At first he also had the man¬
agement of the saw mill erected on the south side of the stream at the
same time the grist mill was built. One has been in operation on the
same spot ever since. It was all custom grinding in 1825, and con¬
siderable business was done for those times. Millers then took toll —
that is a certain quantity out of the corn, wheat, and rye — which
they ground.
Mr. Ames was a very well informed man and one of the pillars
of the Universalist Church. He had been a soldier in the Revolution
114
HISTORY OF NORWAY
and was a drummer. His native place was Haverhill, Mass. He told
me that he was one of those who beat the drum when the British
general, John Burgoyne, paraded his troops for their surrender to
the Americans at Saratoga. He beat the first drum at the first
muster ever held in the town of Norway.
Mr. Ames’ true name was Buck — a distant relative of the Bucks,
who settled in Buckfield. Why he changed his name I do not know.
He lived to be 93 years old.
Near the buildings of Samuel Ames were those of his son, Baker
Ames. There was a store on the common in front of Baker Ames’
house, in which first one and then another traded.
There was only one house on what is now called Pleasant street
and in this a man by the name of Peter Buck lived. He was said to
have been of French descent. The house was on the site now occu¬
pied by the residence of Wm. F. Jones.
Above the mills on what is now called Water Street, there was no
house but one and this was in the vicinity of the present corn factory.
A Mr. Hicks lived there.
On Water Street — the lower part of which was called “Pooduck” —
there were only three houses in 1825. Ichabod Bartlett lived in
a large two-story house on the north side of the road, and between it
and the stream. The house was built by his father, Mr. Levi Bartlett,
who was a blacksmith and had a trip hammer run by water power.
The house hasn’t changed much to this day. Lee Mixer, who
was a trader in the village for many years, town treasurer and rep¬
resentative to the legislature, made it his home for the greater part
of the time he lived in Norway and died there. Mr. Bartlett traded
in a store in 1825, situated in the corner of the two roads where Mr.
Jackson Clark’s residence now stands. Back of the store and a little
farther up on the stream was a blacksmith shop, operated by Mr.
Eben Hobbs, who made such implements as picks, hammers, nigger
hoes and old fashioned wooden plows. He did no ox or horse shoeing.
Mr. Hobbs lived across the road, in the corner where the dwelling
house of Mr. W. A. Bicknell now stands. This building is nearly the
same now as it was 80 years ago. The third house in that section
was Mr. Daniel Holt’s, situated near the entrance to the C. B. Cum¬
mings & Sons mill yard. Mr. Holt had a large family of girls and
his house was one of the most popular places of resort for the young
people of that day in the village or town.
One of the girls who married Mr. Samuel Favor, was regarded
as the belle of the place. The house in later times was moved to
South Paris and was used for many years by the late A. C. T. King,
as a carpenter shop. Mr. Holt was a blacksmith, and he had his
shop near his dwelling bouse. The old barn on the east side of
the road leading over Pike’s Hill, is the only structure of the village
which looks exactly today as it did 80 years ago.
With the exception of the section called “Pooduck,” which I have
just been describing, the village had only one road through it, now
called Main Street. There were then no lateral or side streets or
roads. I will now give the houses and places of business on the south
side of this main road along the stream.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
115
On the corner on the site of the building in which the late Eben
C. Shackley traded for many years, was a store in which my brother,
Jonathan B. Smith, did business. It was a one-story building. My
brother had married a daughter of Joseph Rust, the first Register of
Deeds in the county, and afterwards represented the town in the
legislature.
Mr. Horatio G. Cole, just below the grist mill, had a little wool-
carding mill. It was built over a part of the stream, or very close
to it. This building was afterwards hauled to the vicinity of the
Millett Corner on the Paris road and changed into a dwelling house.
This wool carding industry was quite a business in those days and for
a short period each year the mill was run night and day. I have
seen a pile of fleeces about Mr. Cole’s mill that would fill a hay rack
heaping full.
The village schoolhouse stood on the spot where the upper pri¬
mary now stands. Above it was quite a pond which had been made
by the stream at high water washing away the bank. The water
was two feet or more deep. In fall and often in winter, it was a fine
place for skating.
Many years ago it was filled up and buildings erected over it.
There was a partition through the schoolhouse to separate the very
smallest from the largest scholars. The first school I attended was
in that building. There were but two terms a year — the big boys
attending only in the winter. My first teacher’s name was Miss
Allen. She punished her pupils in strange ways. She would often
split the ends of sticks and put them on the children’s noses. The
longer the stick the more ashamed the scholars were. This reduced
them to strict obedience.
The old schoolhouse was afterwards burned down. It was in the
winter time, and the old fire engine which they had then for putting
out fires was frozen up, and by the time it was thawed out, the
structure had been nearly all consumed. A new house was then
erected.
Below the schoolhouse, next to the bridge, where the grange
buildings now stand, was a structure for making potash. In the
early days, the manufacture of potash was quite an industry, and
nearly every town had one or more. Near the potash was a narrow
building in which was a set of hay scales. Into this building people
drove their teams, when there were large loads to be weighed. Ropes
were fixed around the carts, hay racks, etc., and raised by a windlass.
A little room was partitioned off in one end of the building, in which
the owner kept the steelyards, pulleys, etc. My uncle, Joshua Smith,
then landlord of the hotel where the Elm House now stands, owned
the concern. Below the bridge in the corner, stood a two-story build¬
ing with a hip roof, used as a store. It was painted yellow. There
were but two or three other painted buildings then in the village. I
think a man by the name of Mitchell traded there and after him to
this day it has been a place where business has been carried on.
On the spot occupied by the Bartlett store was the stable owned
by Joshua Smith which was afterwards moved across the street and
joined to the Elm House stable.
116
HISTORY OF NORWAY
On the site of the Hathaway block stood a one-story unpainted
house, occupied by Solomon and Amos Millett, cloth-dressers. An ell
extended toward the Smith stable and quite close to it, which, after
undergoing some changes, has become the present old Hathaway
block, said to be the best renting property in the whole village. In a
part of this building were the rooms used by the Milletts for their
business. Another part was used for a stable. In that old stable
was exhibited the first caravan as it was then called, ever seen in
Norway village.
In front of the stable a high board fence was erected, inclosing
space enough to hold about fifty people, and into this the spectators
were admitted by removing a board.
. An old bark house stood near the present dam, just a little farther
down stream. The tan pits were constructed out of doors. In winter
there was no tanning of leather done, but the pits were filled with
hides in the fall and covered with tan to prevent freezing through
the cold season.
A house one and a half stories high, occupied by the tanner and
his family, stood near. It was destroyed in the great fire of 1894.
A building used as a storehouse stood near the old bark house.
On the site of the A. L. Sanborn clothing store was an old two-
story tumble-down building. The lower part was used as a currier
shop and the upper part for storing leather.
Where the Noyes drug store now stands, was the Henry Rust
mansion house, as it was called. The barn and cow yard were situ¬
ated where Mr. C. L. Hathaway’s and Dr. B. F. Bradbury’s residences
now are. The great elm tree in the doctor’s yard, then of younger
and more vigorous growth (it now shows the marks of age), stood
right in the corner of the Rust barn yard. An open shed was located
so near the road, that water from the eaves dropped into what is now
Main Street and a board fence extended up the road from it to the
tan yard lot.
On the easterly side of the mansion house was a small house in
which the 3d Henry Rust lived. His father having died a few years
before, his mother occupied the mansion house with several members
of the family.
A corridor connected this small house with the mansion house.
These houses were destroyed during the fire of 1852 when the railroad
hotel kept by Mr. Anthony Bennett and several other buildings were
burned. Then the Rusts built the house where the late John L. Horne
lived during the latter part of his life, he purchasing it of the 4th
and last Henry Rust, who was brevetted a brigadier-general in the
Civil War.
The Mrs. Henry Rust, who lived in the mansion house in 1825, had
been employed as a domestic in the family of the first Henry Rust
and his son, Henry, fell in love with and married her. She was much
puffed up on account of it, as is frequently the case, and greatly over¬
estimated the importance of her position in society. Her husband
was a man of marked ability, however, and had no occasion “to put
on airs.” He held the office of County Treasurer for many years and
was much in town office. He died universally lamented in 1820.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
117
There was a marked contrast between the wife of Henry Rust
and of Joseph Rust.
In my younger days I worked considerably for my brother, Jona¬
than B., who had married one of the daughters of Joseph Rust, who
had died in 1815, leaving a widow and two children.
And during all the time I was there I never heard a cross or im¬
patient word uttered in the family. If any requests were made or
directions given, it was always “Please do this,” or “Will you please
do that?” Theirs was the ideal family life, if there ever was such.
On or near the spot where the Tucker harness shop stood, was a
little one-story house, in which Lewis Crockett, a saddler, lived. My
father’s house stood where Dr. A. N. French’s residence now stands.
There I was born and lived till my father sold out and bought the
place in 1824, where Mr. E. B. Tubbs now lives. And after living
there a few years, my father bought the farm on Fore Street, in 1829,
which has been my home ever since.
The first event of my life that I can recall is a fire, which occurred
in a building across the road. Over 80 years have passed since then,
yet nothing in my whole life is more vivid than the burning of that
structure.
Dr. Asa Danforth settled in the village about 1820 and first
boarded at Mr. Benjamin Tucker’s, whose dwelling house was situated
on the site of the Tubbs store. I have been told that I was the first
patient he was called to treat. The doctor told my wife this. Some¬
thing was wrong with me and my parents thought they would call
the new doctor to see the baby.
Daniel Young, a hatter, resided in a house on the lot where George
Austin now lives. His shop was between his and my father’s houses.
Dea. Martin Stetson, of the Baptist Church, lived where the Baker
sisters now reside. The old structure, which was burned, was re¬
modeled from a barn.
The last house on that side before reaching the brook was that of
Mr. Stephen Greenleaf, a cabinet maker. His shop was situated
where or very near the Hobbs variety store now stands. From the
brook, which crosses the road to the Steep Falls, on that side of the
street there was no house or building of any kind in 1825.
On the other side there were but four. At Steep Falls, on the
flat near the stream, was the old Capt. Bailey Bodwell house. In a
part of this building was his clothing works, the machinery being run
by water power.
Capt. Bodwell had been an officer in the militia and in the War
of 1812. When he first came to Norway he did considerable business,
but he soon became involved in many law suits, which he never en¬
tirely was free from through the rest of his life. He liked “white
eye,” not wisely but too well, and often drank to excess and neglected
his business. Many years ago this building was torn down.
On the line of the road next to the bridge was a grist mill, tended
in 1825 by Mr. Benjamin Barrows, who was also a wheelwright. His
house was situated where the Crooker blacksmith shop stood. Mr.
Barrows’ father, Ephraim Barrows, was a Revolutionary soldier, and
a cousin of Dea. William Barrows of Hebron. He came here from
118
HISTORY OF NORWAY
that town and lived in a house near his son, but farther back from
the road.
Near a well in an adjoining field, in which a pump may still be
seen, was the residence of Mr. Richard Houghton. It afterwards took
fire mysteriously and was burned. The house was never rebuilt.
P'rom that place down to the Stanton bridge — in late years called
the covered bridge — there was no building whatever on either side
of the road.
In the corner made by the main road and the road to South Paris
was a one-story structure where Mr. Moses Ames lived. It was after¬
wards moved, and is now the home of Mr. Howard Young.
Where Mr. Cyrus Woodsum now lives Mr. Aaron Shackley resided
in 1825. He was employed much by the Rusts. This Mr. Shackley
was the father of Mr. Eben C. Shackley, the trader before mentioned.
On the site of the bakery store now occupied by Mr. L. I. Gilbert,
stood the farm buildings of Mr. William Cordwell. The barn and
barn yard were situated on the hill where the high school building is
located. Mr. Cordwell’s house was a two-story structure, in the back
part of which was a hatter’s shop. Mr. C. carried on the business
of making hats, to some extent.
On the site of the residence of Mr. Arthur Hebbard was a one-
story house where John Richards lived. He was a shoemaker, and
had a small shop just east of his house, on the same side of the road.
Mr. Richards afterwards moved to Oxford, and died there.
As before mentioned, Benjamin Tucker’s house stood on the site
of the present Tubbs store. Mr. Tucker was a harness maker, and
his shop was situated a short distance from the house towards the
brook. Back of his house was his barn. The shoe factory buildings
are located on what was once Mr. Tucker’s land. He was a prosper¬
ous business man and one of the leading men in the Universalist
society.
Where Mr. Clarence M. Smith now lives the family of Mr. Stephen
Latham resided. He had died in 1824. His business was nail
making, and his little shop was situated just above the house. It
was the burning of this structure that produced such a vivid im¬
pression on my youthful mind, as before related. The house was an
old one, without clapboards or underpinning. Mr. Elliott Smith, the
father of Clarence M., afterwards purchased it and fitted it up for
a residence. It has been in possession of the family ever since.
There was near by, a little farther back from the road, a little
low roofed house of two rooms. As long ago as I can remember,
Rev. Benjamin B. Murray, then the pastor of the Universalist
Church society, lived there. Here his son, who was Colonel of the
15th Maine Regt. in the Civil War, and since Adjutant General of
the State, was born. Near this house was a small jeweler’s shop,
owned by a Mr. Weston. I have still half a dozen silver spoons which
he made in that little shop. This building is now a part of Mrs.
Betsey Greenleaf’s dwelling house.
All Norway people are familiar with the Dr. Asa Danforth brick
residence, now owned by Dr. H. L. Bartlett. Mr. Joseph Gallison
once owned the place when a wooden structure occupied the spot
where the fine brick house stands. Mr. Gallison was a hatter, and
HISTORY OF NORWAY
119
his shop adjoined his house. Between the Weston shop and the Galli-
son house was a board fence, on the line of the road.
There was a little one-story house on the lot now occupied by the
A. J. Nevers store, but I don’t remember who lived in it. It was
afterwards moved off, to give place to the structure which was
built there.
William Reed, the first postmaster in the village and who served
for about 40 years, lived in a large two-story house, which became a
part of the present Beal’s hotel, when that place was built. Mr. Reed
was a trader. His store was an old rattle trap concern, and passed
into the possession of the late Mr. Robert Noyes, now owned by his
daughter, Miss Helen Noyes.
The gross receipts of Mr. Reed’s post office business, at first, as he
told me were but $5 per annum. Mail then came to the office from
Portland, only twice a week. People had but a few letters, and only
here and there, a person took any newspapers. The mail was brought
by post riders on horseback.
Mr. John Ordway lived in a house now the property of George
L. Noyes. He was a wheelwright by trade and made carriages and
other things. His shop was connected with the house.
On the site of the Crooker and Leavitt hardware stores, Mr. Wm.
Cox had his dwelling house and store. He was the grandfather of
Wm. F. Cox of the village.
The present Elm House, which has been enlarged and built over,
was owned by my uncle, Mr. Joshua Smith, as already mentioned.
He was an “all round man” of much ability and a land-surveyor of
great experience. He assisted in lotting the “Lee’s Grant” and draw¬
ing a plan of this tract and of the town.
Next above the hotel was a small structure, once common enough
in the villages of the state, but now rare, where Levi Whitman had
his law office. It was built by Luther Farrar, Norway’s first lawyer,
whom Mr. Whitman succeeded. This office became a part of the
building now occupied by Mr. Owen P. Brooks as a meat market. Mr.
Henry J. Bangs, the merchant, now owns and resides in the dwelling
house which has been enlarged and built over since then where Mr.
Whitman made his home. It was one of the few painted buildings
in 1825.
The old house on the corner of Main and Whitman streets, in the
upper story of which Mr. Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., wrote the story that
made him famous, “The Gunmaker of Moscow,” was then the store of
Mr. Increase Robinson. Where Mr. James Danforth resides, was Mr.
Robinson’s dwelling house, which has undergone very great remodel¬
ing.
No other kind of a structure but a meeting house has ever stood
on the lot occupied by the Universalist church. The first house of
worship erected there was sold to the Baptist society in 1829, and
moved across the street near the schoolhouse. It was afterwards dis¬
posed of and became a part of the tannery of Mixer & Watson. It
is now used in the same locality for a barn or stable.
And now I come to the last place to be mentioned in the Norway
village of 1825. It is the house in the corner formed by Main and
Pleasant streets, and known in later years as the Granville L. Reed
120
HISTORY OF NORWAY
stand. Then there were two dwelling houses — one near the two roads
and the other farther back, reached by a driveway from the road. In
the first lived the families of the widow of Joseph Rust and my
brother, Jonathan B. Smith. In the other lived Capt. John Rust and
his family. Captain John owned the mills, at the upper end of the
village.
Mr. Horatio G. Cole, after coming to Norway and beginning busi¬
ness as a wool-carder and cloth-dresser, boarded for many years in
the family of Capt. John Rust.
This completes the mental picture of Norway village as it existed
in 1825.
What a great change has taken place since then. The main thor¬
oughfare has been crowded with new buildings, new streets have been
opened and sections have been built up which then were covered with
forest trees. Three fires have wrought great changes in the appear¬
ance of the village, particularly the last which destroyed such a large
number of the beautiful shade trees, and swept away many of the
old landmarks. I have noted the passing of the old landmarks with
regret, but if I have been instrumental in preserving some of them,
it will be a great consolation to me in my last days, for through all
its changes I have ever cherished with pride the village where I was
born.
Sebastian S. Smith (1896) in Lewiston Journal.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
121
CHAPTER XXL
Church History.
The early settlers of Norway were never without religious
instruction. Missionaries and itinerant preachers frequently came
here and we read of many of the people going into the neighbor¬
ing town of Paris on Sabbath days to attend religious meetings.
But the first organized effort to obtain regular preaching was
in 1798, when a few men from Norway and Paris united with
others from New Gloucester and Poland, to have Rev. Thomas
Barnes, an eminent Univeralist preacher, come to Maine, from
Gloucester, Massachusetts, and form a circuit of these towns
for his religious work. He accepted the call and settled in Poland
and began his labors. The next year the Universalist society was
organized in Norway. Two years after, a church was built in the
village — the lot being donated by Capt. Henry Rust. This meeting¬
house was afterwards (1828) sold to the Baptist Society and moved
across the street and a new and more commodious structure built
on the site of the old house. In 1805, this Universalist society was
incorporated by Act of the Legislature. The petitioners for it were:
Samuel Ames, Levi Bartlett, Capt. Josiah Bartlett, Anthony Bennett,
Nathaniel Bennett, Josiah Bisco, Jonas Bisco, Peter Buck, James
Buck, Ebenezer Cobb, Elisha Cummings, Isaac Cummings, Noah
Curtis, Jr., Jacob Frost, Jr., Joseph Gallison, Benjamin Herring,
Benjamin Herring, Jr., Gen. Levi Hubbard, John Knight, Daniel
Knight, Dudley Pike, John Robinson, Capt. Joseph Rust, Capt. Henry
Rust, Jr., Samuel Smith, Daniel Staples, Elias Stowell, Daniel Stowell,
William Stowell, Jacob Tubbs, Benjamin Witt and Charles Young.
Rev. Thomas Barnes was a great preacher in his day, and for
the sixteen years he was pastor of the Norway and the other societies
of his circuit, he built up a very strong church here, which was re¬
garded as the leading one of the village and town for nearly one
hundred years. He died in 1816, at 67, and was first buried at Poland
but some sixty years afterwards his remains were re-interred in the
Norway Pine Grove Cemetery.
Rev. Benjamin B. Murray.
Benjamin B. Murray, born in Vermont in 1801, appears to have
been the first settled minister of the Universalist faith, in Norway.
He came here in 1827, and remained four years, but during that
period he preached half of the time in Gray, Rumford and at West
Bethel. During his pastorate four churches were built in the places
where he preached. He is said to have been a preacher of marked
ability. He married Deborah Hooper of Leeds in 1824. By her he
had five children, Eliza Ann, born November 9, 1825, married George
F. Cooper, Lawrence, Mass.; Benjamin B., born June 19, 1828, Colonel
of the 15th Maine in the Civil War and promoted Brigadier General,
married Fanny G. Farnsworth; Mandena L., born March 11, 1830,
died March 31, 1831; John B., born September 12, 1832, married
Minerva G. Durgin of Woodstock. All but first named born in Nor¬
way. His wife died in 1834. He died after 1886.
122
HISTORY OF NORWAY
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
HISTORY OF NORWAY
123
Rev. Henry Hawkins.
Henry Hawkins was pastor of the society here from 1833 to 1837,
when he removed to a farm in Oxford. He died in Norway, May
31, 1866.
Rev. Timothy J. Tenney.
Timothy J. Tenney was settled here as pastor of the Universalist
society for some six years, beginning about 1840. Mr. Tenney was
one of the ablest preachers of that faith and a ready and forcible
writer. All efforts for the promotion of moral worth and betterment
of society, had his earnest and hearty support. He married Izah B.
P. Gibson, daughter of Hon. Samuel Gibson. He died at Glover, Ver¬
mont, October 8, 1854.
Rev. Edwin F. Quinby.
Edwin F. Quinby was the successor here of Rev. Mr. Tenney. He
stayed two years and went to California during the excitement over
the discovery of gold there. After three years he returned to Norway
and died here Aguust 26, 1852, aged about thirty-five.
Rev. John L. Stevens.
John L. Stevens, born in 1820, was undoubtedly, the most literary
preacher the Universalist society here ever had. He came to Norway
about 1850, and remained three years. With James G. Blaine he pur¬
chased the Kennebec Journal in 1855, and went to Augusta. As editor
of that paper, he made it a power in Maine. After fifteen years ser¬
vice on the Kennebec Journal, during which time he was elected to
both House and Senate of the Legislature, he received an appointment
in the diplomatic service. Largely through his means the Sandwich
Islands were annexed to the United States. He was also United
States Ambassador to Sweden and was the author of a “Life of
Gustavus Adolphus.” He died at a good old age.
Rev. Joseph C. Snow.
Joseph C. Snow, born in Indiana, September 12, 1833, was one
of the best pastors of the Universalist society in Norway. He was
settled over the parish in 1858, and removed to Auburn in 1863,
after his .return from serving ten months as Chaplain of the 23rd
Maine. He had much ability as a writer as well as a speaker,
engaging manners and a pleasing address. No pastor of this church
society was ever more popular. He married in 1863, Sarah J.,
daughter of Jeremiah Howe. They had two children, Frederick E.,
born September 12, 1864, and Charles J., born April 21, 1871.
Rev. Nathaniel Gunnison.
Nathaniel Gunnison, born in New Hampshire in 1811, came to
Norway in 1865, and preached here for four years. He was one of
the most forcible and energetic of the ministers of the denomination
who ever had a pastorate here. Mr. Gunnison was a great worker
and organizer and a good financier. He would have achieved great
success as a politician. He had served with distinction as Consul
at Halifax during the latter part of the Civil War. While here he
helped to organize the Norway Savings Bank, being one of its chief
124
HISTORY OF NORWAY
promoters, and was selected for its first president. He was twice
married and had one child by his first wife and five by second, Ann
L. Foster, all born before he came to Norway. He died at Water -
ville, August 25, 1871.
Rev. Lemuel H. Tabor.
Lemuel H. Tabor, born in Vermont in 1809, began preaching in
1837, and was settled over the Norway pastorate in 1869. He re¬
mained here till 1877. He married Deborah D. Curtis of Vermont
and had five children, all born before coming here. His preaching
was strong and energetic, but he was not a pleasing speaker.
Rev. J. A. Seitz.
Rev. Josiah A. Seitz was born in Melmore, Ohio, Mar. 27, 1837.
He married Miss Rebecca J. Brown. His higher education was ob¬
tained at Oberlin University. He qualified for the practice of medi¬
cine but finally decided to enter the ministry, and took a course in
theology at St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York, and became
a noted preacher of the Universalist faith. He accepted a call to the
pastorate of the church society of the denomination in Norway in
1877 and was here some four years. While in Norway he began the
publication of the New Religion, a denominational paper. Some
twenty-five years ago he retired from the ministry, made his home
at Cos Cob, Ct., and devoted his life to literary pursuits. He was a
fine pulpit orator and an able writer. No Universalist preacher who
ever had a pastorate here excelled him in literary ability except John
L. Stevens. Mr. Seitz was the author of several books, a vesper ser¬
vice for the church and other productions. He died at his Connecti¬
cut home, Sept. 30, 1922. His wife, with whom he had lived for over
60 years, and his son, Don C., survive him. A daughter, Europa,
whom Norway people remember as a bright, lovable girl, died many
years ago.
Rev. Washington W. Hooper.
Washington W. Hooper was born in Queens County, N. Y., Febru¬
ary 15, 1853. He graduated with the degree of B.D. in 1873, at St.
Lawrence University in Canton in that state and came to Norway in
1881 as pastor of the Universalist society. He remained three years,
then he went to Mechanic Falls where he was settled as pastor of the
society there for three years more. Afterwards he had charge of a
parish at Orono and Oldtown and later was State Missionary to the
Universalist societies in Maine. He married Miss Mary D. Shackley
of Norway, and they had two children — a boy and a girl, who died
young. She was a lovely girl, — pure as gold.
He died April 16, 1902, and is buried in Pine Grove Cemetery.
Mr. Hooper was a popular preacher, a good speaker and a true friend.
He had literary tastes, and was the author of several publications.
Rev. Caroline E. Angell.
Miss Caroline E. Angell, born in Smithfield, R. I., June 28, 1842,
graduated with high honors at St. Lawrence University, N. Y., in
1876. She had charge of a parish in Pittsfield for seven years and
came here in 1884, as successor to Rev. W. W. Hooper. She was the
HISTORY OF NORWAY
125
pastor of the society here for twenty years — far longer than any
other Universalist minister. From here she went to Freeport, where
she remained several years, — finally retiring from ministerial work.
Rev. Miss Angell was a good speaker and preacher. She was admired
and loved for her Christian character and pleasing manners. No pas¬
tor of the society was ever more popular. She died March 28, 1917.
Rev. Samuel G. Davis.
Samuel G. Davis came to Norway from New York as the successor
of Rev. Caroline E. Angell. His health was not good enough to per¬
form the duties of a very large pastorate. Had it been, he could not
have been secured for the salary the society here could afford. The
society and community at large were very fortunate in having him as
its pastor and a citizen. He preached a religion of character, that
touched the heart and moved to good deeds and an upright life. Mr.
Davis had a manly, noble and lovable nature, and his life here was a
living sermon. He had what few preachers of any denomination I
have listened to possessed — real piety. His pastoral labors closed
here in 1908. He died a few years after.
Rev. Merrill C. Ward.
Rev. Merrill C. Ward succeeded Rev. Samuel G. Davis in the pas¬
torate of the society. He was here some four years, when he ac¬
cepted a call to preach in Massachusetts, since which time Rev. Ches¬
ter Gore Miller, resident pastor of the Universalist society at South
Paris, has ably and acceptably occupied the pulpit of the church here.
Rev. Chester Gore Miller.
Rev. Chester Gore Miller, present pastor of the Universalist
church societies of Norway and South Paris, was born in Elkhart,
Indiana. He is about fifty-five years old, and is the only child of
Milton B. and Mary E. (Gore) Miller. When very young his parents
removed to western California where the father took great interest
in the exclusion of the Chinese from the United States, and was the
author of the Act of Congress to that end. Mr. Miller’s education was
obtained in the public schools of San Francisco. His early religious
convictions were greatly influenced under the teaching and preaching
of that famous Unitarian clergyman, Rev. Thomas Starr King. After
a year’s residence in Chicago and five in New York, he went to
southern California, living at Santa Barbara and Pasadena. At the
latter place he became interested in Universalism and was influenced
by the pastor of the church society of the denomination there, Rev.
Dr. Everett L. Conger, to enter the divinity school of Tufts College,
Massachusetts, and was ordained to preach in June, 1898. He was
first settled over a pastorate in western New York and in 1899, mar¬
ried Edith G., daughter of Wm. B. Mitchell of Wilkes Barre, Pa. They
have three children: Ruth Gore, a student in the Philadelphia School
of Design for Women; Alan Conger, attending the divinity school of
St. Lawrence University, N. Y., and Wilber Beach, a student in the
high school at South Paris. Rev. Mr. Miller was pastor of the Uni¬
versalist church society at Jamaica Plain, Mass., three years, and for
five years of the society in Portland. For fourteen years he has been
pastor of the society at South Paris and since 1912, he has also been
126
HISTORY OF NORWAY
pastor of the Norway Universalist society. His residence has been
retained at South Paris. The labors performed by this clergyman
are prodigious. He has had no summer vacation rest for years. Mr.
Miller is one of the leading preachers of the denomination in New
England.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, NORWAY CENTER
The Congregationalists.
The early settlers in the vicinity of Fuller’s Corner and on the
western side of the lake were largely Congregationalists. Meetings
were held at first in private houses and we read of religious gather¬
ings at the capacious house of Amos Upton, the Revolutionary soldier,
near Fuller’s Corner. Mr. Joseph Martin was leader of the choir.
Later in summer, meetings were held in Maj. Jonathan Cummings’
barn. A church was organized in that section of the town in 1804.
Seventeen joined the church and Timothy Stone was selected as its
first deacon.
Rev. Noah Cressey.
Noah Cressey, born in Salem, N. H., April 9, 1777, graduated at
Williams College, took a course of study in theology and was licensed
to preach. He came here in 1807, was settled as pastor of the Nor¬
way society and remained till 1820.
A Mr. Stoddard had been an occasional preacher here and had
hopes of being called as the settled pastor of the society. He met
with opposition and particularly from Jonathan Cummings, the most
influential man of the town of that period, but not a church member.
Stoddard was not selected, some things against his character coming
HISTORY OF NORWAY
127
to light, and at his last meeting he took the occasion to get square
with Major Cummings and stated that he had experienced a remark¬
able dream. Satan in the infernal regions had been informed, he
said, that there was to be settled preaching in Norway which must
be prevented, and he ordered his fleetest steed to be ready to take him
here. One of his counsellors inquired if there weren’t some one in
Norway who could do the business equally as well. After a moment’s
reflection he said, yes, there was Jonathan Cummings, who would
carry out his wishes just as well as he could. And it seems, remarked
Stoddard, “that Satan’s agent has accomplished his master’s purpose.”
Most fortunate was it for the society and the town that Mr.
Stoddard was not called to the pastorate and Rev. Noah Cressey was.
A meeting-house at Norway Center, built by Maj. Jonathan Cum¬
mings, was completed in 1809. That year the Congregational Society
was incorporated. The strong men among the sixty-eight petitioners
were Job Eastman, Benjamin Fuller, Joshua Crockett, Amos Upton,
Eliphalet Watson, Aaron Wilkins, Ward Noyes, Nathan Noble, Jona¬
than Cummings, Luther Farrar, William Hobbs and Timothy Stone.
All in all, as preacher, teacher, and citizen, Rev. Noah Cressey
was the most eminent pastor of the denomination that Norway has
ever had. He left a lasting impression for good upon his society
and in the whole town in the field of educational effort. His labors
here closed unfortunately in 1820, because the society felt too poor
to pay his salary. Rev. Mr. Cressey went from Norway to North
Yarmouth, where he remained eight years. For twenty years there¬
after he was a missionary to the church societies in New England
and the West. He preached in Sanford from 1850 to 1861. He died
in Boston, Mass., December 15, 1867, in his 91st year. The Congre-
gationalists ought to erect a monument at Norway Center to the
memory of this excellent preacher and good man.
For four years, the pulpit at Center Norway was supplied half the
time by Rev. Joseph Walker, who was settled over a parish of the
denomination at South Paris. This not proving quite satisfactory, in
1826, Rev. Henry A. Merrill received a call to preach in Norway for
five years, but he continued here in the ministry for three years more.
He must under these circumstances have been much liked and popular
with the denomination.
Rev. Charles Soule.
Charles Soule, a descendant of George Soule, the Mayflower pil¬
grim, born in 1794, was a graduate of Bowdoin, class of 1821. After
a course in theology at Andover, Mass., he graduated and in 1826
took charge of the Academy at Bridgton, and was pastor of the
church society there. He was called to the pastorate of the Norway
society in 1836, and remained till July, 1845. Next to Rev. Mr.
Cressey he was the most scholarly preacher of the denomination in
Norway.
Rev. Charles Packard.
Charles Packard, born in Minot, in 1818, was a graduate of Bow¬
doin, and the Bangor Theological Seminary. He immediately received
a call to be pastor of the society here, and his ministry in Norway
128
HISTORY OF NORWAY
continued for four years to December, 1849. He married, the same
year he took charge of the parish, Miss Hannah F. Holt, daughter of
Uriah Holt. They had two children born in Norway, Charles F.
Packard, October 19, 1846, and Anna Maria, August 5, 1849. Mr.
Packard was much interested in education and all moral reforms. He
died suddenly in February, 1881, aged 63.
Rev. Harrison K. Strong came here in April, 1850, and died in
July, 1855. He was succeeded by Rev. Horace Pratt, who was fol¬
lowed by Rev. Nathaniel Richardson, Rev. Philo B. Richardson, and
Rev. J. Loring Pratt. The pastorate of the last ended in 1866, since
which time the society has been served by the pastors of the Second
Congregational Church society in the village which was organized in
January, 1853.
The first minister of this society was Rev. Asa T. Loring. His
pastorate was seven years. Rev. Philo B. Wilcox served two years,
Rev. Amory H. Tyler four years, Rev. Thomas T. Merry six years,
Rev. George W. Kelley one year, and Rev. Nathaniel S. Moore one
year.
Rev. Edward E. Bacon.
Edward E. Bacon, born in Marshall, N. Y., August 1, 1845, was
graduated from Hamilton College in 1873, and after a theological
course of study was called to the pastorate of the Second Church
society here in 1877. He remained in Norway three years. Mr.
Bacon was a good preacher. His sermons were always carefully pre¬
pared and well delivered.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, NORWAY
HISTORY OF NORWAY
129
Rev. Charles L. Mills.
Charles L. Mills, a missionary to the Congregational Church so¬
cieties, preached here in 1875, during which time there was a great
revival. He was an effective pulpit orator, and had a truly Christian
character, endowed with piety. Such a preacher will never lack for
hearers of his sermons and believers in his doctrine. The pews will
always be filled, and there will be no occasion to coax or push people
into church for they could not be kept away. Aggressive preaching
of Christianity is passing away. The age calls for the scholarly
preacher who is filled with piety. It will soon come to be recognized
that with learning, ability, a good address, and a blameless life, piety
is essential for the successful pastor and preacher.
Rev. Alexander Wiswall.
Alexander Wiswall was born in Glasgow, Scotland, August 1, 1846.
He graduated at Dartmouth in 1873, and at the Bangor Theological
School, and came to Norway as pastor of the society in the village
in 1881. He was here about six years.
Rev. Bates S. Rideout.
Bates S. Rideout accepted a call to the pastorate of the society in
1887. He was born in Garland, September 10, 1853; graduated at
Bates College, 1881; Cobb Divinity School and Andover Theological
Seminary. He married in 1888, Miss Rose Chadbourne of Lewiston,
a graduate also of Bates. His pastorate here continued to his death,
February 5, 1910 — the longest of any of the Congregational clergy¬
men since the settlement of the town. Under no other pastor has the
society so flourished. Mr. Rideout was a Trustee of the Public Li¬
brary for many years, and a member of the Patrons of Husbandry.
He was much interested in educational matters and all moral reforms,
and was popular with all classes of people. Two children, Edith M.
and Florence A., — both graduates of Bates College. The latter died,
greatly lamented by all who knew her, October 18, 1919.
Rev. Robert J. Bruce.
Robert J. Bruce, one of the rising preachers of the denomination,
was settled over the pastorate in Norway in 1910. He remained till
1919, when he accepted a call to the pastorate of the St. Lawrence
Congregational society in Portland. In May, 1922, he accepted the
call of the Plymouth society at Syracuse, N. Y., one of the wealthiest
and strongest church organizations in New York.
The Baptists.
Missionaries of the Baptist faith occasionally came among the
early settlers and preached to those who would hear them. William
Parsons was a Baptist and preachers of that faith found a warm
welcome and much assistance from him. He with a few others united
with the church at South Paris, then called “Stowell’s Mills” or “Cape
Ann.” In 1806 a church society was formed here, ten members from
the Paris society taking their dismissal for that purpose. William
Parsons was chosen as deacon and Rufus Bartlett clerk of the new
society. Rev. John Wagg was ordained as pastor, a position he held
for three years. He proved to have been not adapted to the work
130 HISTORY OF NORWAY
and the society suffered an injury from which it has never recoveied
even to this day. For eighteen years there was only occasional
preaching by itinerants or missionaries. Meetings were held in pri¬
vate houses, generally at Dea. William Parsons’.
Capt. John Rust, son of the proprietor of Rustfield, on the
death of his father, in 1812, came into the possession of the mills
at the head of the village and some land in the vicinity. He did not
settle here till about 1816, after the death of his brother, Capt.
REV. EDWARD S. COTTON
Joseph Rust. His dwelling house and stable were built in connection
with those of Joseph in the corner of what is now Main and Pleasant
streets. Captain John appears to have put some life into the feeble
society, though he did not have the energy and push exhibited by his
two brothers who settled in Norway.
The Universalist society having waxed strong, found in 1828 that
its church was too small to accommodate the society and people who
desired to attend its meetings, and it was sold to the Baptist society
and moved across the street to a lot north of the school-house, which
HISTORY OF NORWAY
131
had been donated by Capt. John Rust. Years afterwards the build¬
ing was sold and changed into a tannery operated by Lee Mixer and
Ceylon Watson.
Rev. John Haines.
John Haines was the first settled pastor of the society after it
had acquired a meeting-house. He began his pastoral labors in 1804,
at Swanville. Two years later he went to Vinalhaven, where he re¬
mained four years, and then removed to Livermore, where his labors
met with great success. He found the field here so well cultivated
by the Universalists and the Congregationalists that his success at
Livermore was not repeated and he resigned his pastorate in 1836.
Still the society has never been without a few strong men — and
probably never will be — who would and will not see it die. The
society owes its existence to the Parsonses and the Milletts.
Rev. Reuben Millner.
Reuben Millner, born in Yorkshire, England, April 11, 1780, was
undoubtedly one of the best pastors the Norway society has ever had.
He came here in 1838, and his pastoral labors extended over a period
of sixteen years. In 1840 there was a revival. The total membership
rose to 50, the largest it ever had. He died in 1850. He was twice
married. His first wife was a Nova Scotia lady; his second, Fanny
Hillman of Martha’s Vineyard, who had one child by him, Charles
G. Millner, who settled in New York.
In 1889, a new Baptist church was erected on Cottage Street in
the village. Several prominent citizens who were not members of
the society, among whom was the author, generously assisted in erect¬
ing the pretty little meeting-house. The pastor from the South Paris
society conducted the Sunday services. Since then the society has
prospered. The membership which in 1884, when the historian of the
Centennial History thought the society in process of extinction, being
then only nine, has been increased.
Rev. Edward S. Cotton.
Edward S. Cotton was settled over the society in 1901. He was an
able preacher, a learned Biblical scholar and an excellent citizen. He
not only had the confidence and love of the members of his society,
but the respect of all classes in the community. His wife was also
a zealous worker, both in the society and in such organizations as the
W. C. T. U. and Ladies’ Aid societies. Both were very popular here.
Mr. Cotton’s pastoral labors closed in Norway in 1908. He died
in a few years after he went away.
The Methodists.
The Pingrees who settled in the northwestern part of the town,
appear to have been zealous Methodists. The first conference of the
society in Norway was held in 1819, at the house of Stephen Pingree,
at which his youngest son, William, born in 1792, was licensed to
preach. He married Eleanor, daughter of Joel Stevens.
Benjamin Stevens, son of Jonas, who had removed to Otisfield,
was licensed to exhort in 1818 and in 1823. He married Susan Saw-
132
HISTORY OF NORWAY
REV. B. C. WENTWORTH
u
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I',' '
HISTORY OF NORWAY
133
yer. Quarterly conferences were frequently held in Norway after
1820.
William Yates of Greenwood, a farmer, was licensed as an ex-
horter and later as a preacher, in his and the neighboring1 towns.
He probably was the same one of that name who was a settler in
Norway in 1818. His service in the denomination was so long that
he became known as “Father Yates.” Another preacher of that faith
in Greenwood, and surrounding towns, whose labors continued through
such a long period as to merit being called “Father” was Elder
Edward Whittle.
A meeting-house was built in the village about 1837, and the next
year the chapel in the French neighborhood at the four corners which
gave its name to the little hamlet that grew up around the meeting¬
house and the school-house. A parsonage was subsequently built at
Noble’s Corner. The meeting-house of the Methodists in the village
was after some years acquired by the Congregationalists.
The association in the village having lapsed, a class was formed
in 1876 — Rev. John B. Lapham, the pastor of the society at South
Paris, taking charge of it. During the pastorate of Rev. Fred C.
Rogers, there was a great revival in South Paris and Norway, and
in a short period the Norway village Methodists were strong enough
to maintain preaching at home, and build a place of worship. The
church edifice was constructed on the corner of Beal and Lynn streets
in 1880, near which a parsonage was afterwards built. The society
is now (1922) in a very prosperous condition, as much so in fact, as
any of the other denominations.
Rev. Mr. Rogers was undoubtedly the ablest preacher and organ¬
izer the society here has ever had. He was a fine pulpit orator and
was very popular with his parishioners and the people who knew
him. Among other prominent ministers of the denomination were
Rev. O. H. Pillsbury, Rev. Mr. Smith, Rev. Mr. Nichols and Rev.
B. C. Wentworth. Mr. Wentworth took an active part in all reform
movements and for sustaining the Maine Prohibitory Law. Every
Methodist minister here has been a strong advocate of prohibition.
The Episcopalians.
Christ Church (Episcopal).
Services were begun in Norway during the spring and summer of
1896 when the Very Rev. Henry Morton Sills, D.D., Dean of St.
Luke’s Cathedral in Portland, visited Norway and baptized five per¬
sons in the Methodist church. In April, The Rt. Rev. Henry Adams
Neely, Bishop of Maine, made his first visitation, and confirmed seven
persons. In May, 1896, The Rev. Marcus H. Carroll, then recently
graduated from the Gen. Theological Seminary and ordained to the
deaconate in Saint George’s church, New York, was sent by the Bishop
to take charge of the work of the Episcopal Church in Norway. The
services were at first held in Ryerson Hall. The following year steps
were taken for the building of a church. The minister-in-charge was
assisted by the Rev. Hudson Sawyer of Auburn, in raising the neces¬
sary funds, a lot secured on Paris street at the corner of Green, at a
134
HISTORY OF NORWAY
cost of $400; in the course of the succeeding fall and winter the
church was completed, at an expense of $2,000. The architectural
plans were the gift of Mr. Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, of the firm
of Cram, Wentworth and Goodhue, Boston — a personal friend of the
Rev. Mr. Carroll. The lumber for the frame of the church was
donated by Wilson Brothers, who at that time were engaged upon
the project (later abandoned) of building a street railroad from
Norway to Waterford. The Altar was given by a church woman of
Philadelphia; the altar hangings by the Massachusetts Altar So¬
ciety, and the vessels and linen for the Holy Communion by other
friends of the mission. The Rev. Charles L. Hutchins, D.D., of Con¬
cord, Mass., donated copies of his musical edition of the Hymnal for
the use of the Choir. The organ and pews were the gift of St. Luke’s
Cathedral in Portland. Unfortunately, the early records of the Mis¬
sion having disappeared, it is impossible to give exact data of many
interesting events. The church was consecrated in February, 1898.
Bishop Neely was the consecrator, and was assisted by visiting clergy
from various parts of the Diocese of Maine, among whom were Dean
Sills of the Cathedral, the Rev. Charles Ogden of Portland, the Rev.
R. W. Plant of Gardiner, the Rev. Hudson Sawyer of Auburn, the
Rev. Ivan C. Fortin of Lewiston, and the minister in charge.
In August, 1898, Mr. Carroll, who had been recently married to
Miss Octavia Bickford of Norway, resigned his charge and was ap¬
pointed minister of Trinity Chapel, Woodfords.
Since the year 1898, Christ Church has had no settled minister.
Services have been held at intervals during the summer months. At
one time for two or three years, Archdeacon Seymour had charge of
the mission. Services were quite regular during his charge, but he
was not a resident.
In spite of all drawbacks from the infrequency of the services a
little band of faithful and devoted people have labored steadily for
the good of the Mission, preserving its organization and contributing
to its support.
The Catholics.
Until the year 1893, the Catholics of Norway and vicinity were
visited at irregular intervals by priests from Portland and Lewiston.
In April of that year, Rev. Fr. M. D. Summa, of the Dominican
Fathers of Lewiston, gathered the Catholics of the two towns at the
home of John J. Emely in South Paris, and arranged to have mass
said there once each month. This was continued until August, 1897,
when a chapel, newly erected on Alpine street, was dedicated by Very
Rev. Michael C. O’Brien, Vicar-General of the Diocese of Maine. In
this church mass was said once or twice each month for several years.
In the year 1900 the Catholics of Norway and vicinity were put
under the care of the pastor of Yarmouth, at that time Rev. James A.
Flynn. Some years later the sanctuary of the chapel having been de¬
stroyed by fire, the building was removed to the corner of Pleasant
and Charles streets, near the Fair Grounds, and remodeled.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
135
REV. FATHER JAMES E. REDDEN
RECTOR ST. CATHERINE CHURCH
136
HISTORY OF NORWAY
While under the charge of Rev. Joseph D. Quinn, Norway and its
mission were separated from Yarmouth and Rev. Joseph Drolet was
sent here as resident pastor. Two years later the territory was again
attached to Yarmouth until a residence on Paris street in Norway was
purchased and the Rev. Philip J. Boivin came here.
Called away by his duties as chaplain in the U. S. Army, Father
Boivin was followed by Rev. Charles J. Cassidy, who, because of his
ill health, gave place to the present rector, Rev. James E. Redden.
The society is now in a flourishing condition and the services at its
little church are as well if not better attended than any of our
religious denominations. It is very fortunate in having so able and
popular a pastor as Father Redden. He is not only a good pastor to
his people, but a good man and a good citizen.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
137
CHAPTER XXII.
Schools and School Teachers
PROF. OZIAS WHITMAN
MRS. IZAH T. WHITMAN
Side by side, the church and the school-house, New England in¬
stitutions, have come down to us from the earliest times. Harvard
University, the oldest educational institution in the United States,
was founded in 1636 — six years after Governor John Winthrop came
with his colony and settled in the vicinity of Boston.
The leaders of the Pilgrims, Elder William Brewster, Governor
William Bradford, Edward Winslow, Samuel Fuller, Robert Cushman,
William Mullens and John Carver, were educated men who knew the
value of education. While in Holland the Pilgrims, — the. fathers and
mothers — largely probably the latter — taught their own children at
home. As soon as they were well settled in the New World they
undoubtedly established schools. For many years after their settle¬
ment at Plymouth, their records were very meager, but we find in
1635 an order of the General Court that a certain orphan minor with
his mother’s consent, should be put out to a woman “to keep him at
school two years.” This shows that the Pilgrims had established
schools at that time and probably they had been in operation for
many years.
When the first settlers came to Norway they brought with them
the customs and ideas of citizenship of the well-established communi¬
ties in which they had lived. They regarded the education of their
children next to being able to provide their families with subsistence.
We accordingly find them early contributing of their slender means
for their children to attend private schools. The first one we have
any mention of, was that taught by Mrs. Susan (Burns) Everett,
while her husband, Peter Everett, lived near Norway Center about
the summer of 1790 — and after the United States census for that year
was taken. It was taught in the Everett house. Abigail Symonds,
from Bridgton, a sister of the wife of Lemuel Shedd, was the second
138
HISTORY OF NORWAY
GRADUATING CLASS OF 1890, NORWAY HIGH SCHOOL
STANDING, LEFT TO RIGHT: GEORGIA BRETT, CORA BELLE SHEDD, ROBERT FULLER, FREELAND HOWE, JR.
ciTTlur.. &NNIF YOUNG WINNIE FOSTER. FRANK T. BARTLETT, MABEL TRAFTON, VERNE M. WHITMAN, LILLIE ANDREWS.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
139
female teacher. She taught in the summer-'-perhaps in 1792 — her
school being in Jonathan Cummings’ new barn. The next winter
Job Eastman, who had married a sister of the proprietor of the Cum¬
mings tract, and moved to the Cummings place where he lived for
several years, taught the “first man’s school” in what is now the
town of Norway. He taught winters for several years thereafter in
the first school-house, built in 1794, on the Amps Hobbs lot. It ap¬
pears that Miss Symonds taught the summer terms of the schools in
the new school-house, and probably for a number of years, after her
first term. We would like to know what was her subsequent history,
but nothing further relating to her has come down to us.
The school-house in the Pike’s Hill district, where there was a
large number of Parsonses, Milletts and Pikes, was built about 1800;
the one in the village on the site of the upper primary, in 1805; in the
Jones district in 1806; at Fuller’s Corner in 1807, and the same year
the one on the ridge east of Nathaniel Bennett’s.
David Noyes, a brother of Ward Noyes — elsewhere mentioned —
came to Norway in 1804. He was then a little more than fifteen
years old. He soon commenced teaching, which he followed both win¬
ter and summer till 1815, when he retired from school teaching and
engaged in farming, surveying, conveyancing, and afterwards in tav¬
ern keeping. At first he taught in the rural schools, but afterwards
in the village — his summer terms being private schools. In 1816 the
first school-houe built in town was destroyed by fire, but the next year
it was rebuilt.
Rev. Noah Cressey, pastor of the Congregational Church society
during a part of this period, — he came in 1806, — had supervision of
the town schools. He also taught both in the town schools and took pri¬
vate pupils from this and other towns. The following taken from
David Noyes’ history is the best representation of the educational
conditions in Norway at that time, and is worthy of reproduction
here: “Previous to his (Mr. Cressey’s) coming into town, our schools
and all educational affairs, were at a low ebb. Our school-teachers
were picked up wherever they could be found, and many of them were
very limited in their literary acquirements. The first settlers had
found it hard to get along and support their families and erect com¬
fortable buildings, and in most cases were unable to incur much ex¬
pense in educating their children, although they felt anxious to do
all in their power, still there seemed to be something wanting to pro¬
duce the desired effect. But Mr. Cressey seemed to be instrumental,
under Providence, in greatly improving affairs, in regard to education.
He went into our town schools as a teacher, winter after winter, five
and a half days a week, and wrote his two sermons in the evenings
and on Saturday afternoons. As soon as he moved into his house he
took many scholars there and instructed them in all the different
branches of education, usually taught in our best academies, and par¬
ticularly such branches as were necessary to fit them for teachers.
It was but a few years after he came among us before we had good
teachers of our own, to instruct all our own schools and as many more
to send into the adjoining towns. He thus gave a strong and lasting
impulse to education, the effects of which were felt for many years
and in some degree to the present day. He visited all of our schools
140 HISTORY OF NORWAY
GRADUATING CLASS OF 1896, NORWAY HIGH SCHOOL
STANDING, LEFT TO RIGHT: GRACE HOLDEN, ALICE ROUNDS, LOUISE BRADBURY, LULU PACKARD, AGNES ROUNDS, AMBROSE WARREN
SITTING : VICTOR M. WHITMAN. MAE HOLDEN, MILDRED BISBEE, HARRY NEVERS
HISTORY OF NORWAY
141
with a fatherly care and his influence was great and useful. The
writer received much of his education from Mr. Cressey and will
ever retain lively sense of his kindness.” Among Rev. Noah
Cressev’s private pupils were Hon. Timothy J. Carter and Dr. John
Grover of Bethel, Levi Stowell of Paris, and Rev. Sylvanus Cobb of
Norway.
From what is here said of Mr. Cressey it appears what I have
long felt and known both as teacher and school officer, that there is
more in the teacher or officer, who is thoroughly fitted in every respect
for his or her work, than all the new-fangled and expensive systems
of teaching which were ever invented.
Norway, about 1820, was a land of teachers. The author of this
work soon after coming here had heard it from the oldest inhabitants,
that in the Jones district alone, after the coming of Mr. Cressey, and
his early labors in the schools, nearly half of the young men and
women were school teachers and for a long period thereafter Nor¬
way was noted for its excellent teachers. A list of their names, did
we have them, would furnish several pages of as interesting reading
as any part of this history.
It has been said that the Jones district was noted for its large
number of teachers. Considering its remoteness from the village, and
being a sparsely settled community, this is a remarkable fact.
Among its teachers were Dr. Moses Frost, Joshua Frost, Henry Upton,
afterwards a lawyer, Elijah Upton, later an editor and publisher,
David F. Noyes, postmaster, Ford J. French, Benjamin French, O.
A. Fuller, college professor, and D. B. Holt, Simeon W. Pierce and
William Pingree, preachers. How many female teachers there were
we have no means of knowing, but there must have been many. This
is certainly a great record and reflects lasting credit upon the early
settlers in that section.
Next to Rev. Noah Cressey in scholarly attainments and interest
in educational matters was Rev. Charles Soule, a descendant of the
Mayflower Pilgrim George Soule. A graduate of Bowdoin, and the
Andover Theological School, in 1826, he accepted the principalship
of North Bridgton Academy, and subsequently had a pastorate in
Bridgton. He came to Norway in 1836 and was here nine years. In
1846 he taught as principal, the “Norway Female Seminary,” with
Emily Bailey, teacher of music, and Ann N. Deering, painting and
drawing. How long he taught here after that year is somewhat un¬
certain, but it was not over two years, if as long as that. Mr. Soule
was a man “of fine literary taste, and a ready writer of both prose
and poetry.” His going away was a great loss to the town.
The accounts that have come down to us of the village schools for .
the thirty years intervening between the time David Noyes quit teach¬
ing and went to farming, to the time of Mr. Soule’s teaching, is ex¬
tremely fragmentary and uncertain, and just at what time, what
would be called today a High School, was established is more uncertain
still.
Schools of higher grade than the common schools — depending upon
the qualifications of the instructors — were undoubtedly taught, but
142
HISTORY OF NORWAY
GROUP OF TEACHERS
LEFT TO RIGHT: INEZ M. STUART, HELEN S. SWAN, VIRGINIA DECOSTER. NELLIE L. ANDREWS
ANNIE PARKER
HISTORY OF NORWAY
143
these must have been of temporary and uncertain tenure or something
tangible about them would have come down to us.
Rev. Cyril Pearl, who had taught a “Grammar School” at Buck-
field, was a resident here in 1845. Probably he taught such a school
in Norway Village.
The Norway Liberal Institute was incorporated in 1849, but it
had been in operation for two years previously. Ebenezer P. Hinds
had been the principal with a full corps of assistant teachers. It
started with 174 pupils. Its success was notable from the beginning.
Jacob W. Brown, afterwards a practicing attorney at Buckfield, was
the first assistant principal. Mr. Hinds, the next year went to South
Paris as principal of the Oxford Normal Institute, and was succeeded
here by Jonathan G. Eveleth. In 1850 Mark IJ. Dunnell took charge
of the Institute as principal. In 1852 Mr. Dunnell went to Hebron
Academy, and was succeeded by William D. Putnam. In 1865
Byron D. Verrill became the principal of the Norway High School,
the village district having purchased the Institute building and
changed the name of the school to the one it bears today. Among
the notable teachers of this institution worthy of mention are
Byron D. Verrill, George F. Leonard, Ozias Whitman, Charles A.
Stephens — afterwards serving on the board of school committee with
the writer — Orville W. Collins, O. M. Metcalf, Verne M. Whitman
and Maurice H. Small. This institution is a college fitting school,
and since it was established a long list of Norway boys and girls
have gone from here to many universities and colleges where they
have taken high rank and graduated with the highest honors.
Ezra F. Beal in early life was a successful school teacher — his
particular liking being for mathematics.
William Whitman Hobbs was one of Norway’s noted school teach¬
ers. He taught not only here but in the larger towns of the county.
While teaching in Andover he became acquainted with the lady whom
he afterwards married. Probably none of the instructors of his
time excelled him in energy and force of character. He led a com¬
pany across the plains to California soon after gold was discovered
there. He afterwards served with great distinction as a deputy
sheriff and as representative in the Legislature.
His brother, Henry H. Hobbs, was also a successful teacher. It is
related that while teaching on Paris Hill, one of the scholars left the
school without permission on the last day of one of the terms. On
the first day of the next term, seeing this pupil in his seat, he was
reminded of the scholar’s delinquency, when Hobbs promptly called
him into the floor and flogged him. His daughter Kate was one of
the best teachers in the rural districts of her time. She married
Robert N. Millett, a graduate of Colby and a teacher of note in the
higher institutions of Vermont.
Dr. Osgood N. Bradbury and William P. French were teachers
who attained great popularity in their younger days, and both served
on the board of school committee. The latter’s daughter, Augusta,
taught so long in the rural schools, that several years ago she was
granted a state pension. Mrs. Kate (Frost) Jones was a successful
school teacher for many years before her marriage, and Mrs. Izah
T. (Hatch) Whitman for a long period as assistant in her husband’s
144
HISTORY OF NORWAY
NELLIE C. DINSMORE
JESSIE L. DINSMORE
ANNIE B. LAFARRIERE
CORA BELLE SHEDD
HISTORY OF NORWAY
145
high and academic institutions in Maine and Minnesota. If it were
practicable to mention all*of Norway’s worthy teachers their names
would fill a small volume.
Two teachers in the Norway Village schools (June, 1922) deserve
especial mention. They are Gertrude 0. Gardner and Elizabeth O.
Lasselle. The former was born in Buckfield — the latter in Norway.
Both began teaching very young and have been in continuous service
in the primary schools for more than twenty-five years. Both have
kept pace with the times, are particularly adapted to their special
field of labor, and are thoroughly appreciated by school officers, par¬
ents and pupils. They have been offered and accepted positions
in the New Bedford, Mass., schools at salaries high school teach¬
ers have formerly obtained, which demonstrates their worth as
instructors more than any commendation of the author.
There are others, who are remembered for their faithful efforts
and lasting regard. Among them are Richard E. Clement, who be¬
came distinguished as an educator in New Jersey; Fred H. Gibson,
now judge of the municipal court of Cloverdale, California; George
H. Shedd, for many years in the successful practice of medicine at
North Conway, N. H.; Arthur F. French, whose early death cast a
shadow over the hearts of all who knew and loved him for his manly
qualities; Herbert L. Russell, college graduate, and successful high
school teacher; Cora (Shedd) Cummings, Annie (Lafarriere) Wingate,
Nellie L. Andrews, Annie Witt, Helen S. Swan, postmistress for some
16 years here, Susan (Millett) Lombard, Edith (Farnham) Knightly,
Virginia DeCoster, Jessie L. (Dinsmore) Whitman, Nellie C. (Dins-
more) Haxby, Inez (Stuart) Cummings, Edith (Stearns) Bartlett,
Annie (Parker) Gayton, Ella F. (Moulton) Harriman, Mattie F.
Brooks, Winifred L. Evans, Franie (Jones) Holmes, Ada H. Tucker,
Lillian (Johnson) Pride, Clara A. (Noyes) Gerry, Estella M. Pike;
Mattie D. Tracy, Agnes E. Sanborn, and Ellen C. (Stevens) French
of a family of nine girls, noted for their charming manners and as
successful school teachers.
The old school districts have been abolished, and no schools are
taught in many of the school-houses. There is little or no interest
taken in them by the people who live in the vicinity where located and
they are consequently going to ruin and decay. It is pathetic in the ex¬
treme. In these portions of the town the scholars are transported to
the village and into other sections where schools are in operation.
The management of school affairs is in the hands of a few and often
incompetent officials, and it is very questionable, whether in the good
attained, any real improvement has been made over the old system,
which didn’t entail one-quarter of the expense of today for running
the schools, and that sent out into the world as large if not a larger
number of men and women who have attained prominence and suc¬
cess, which after all is the true test of any system.
146
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XXIII.
Annals from 1825 to 1875.
1826
Increase Robinson opened a public house. He had enlarged his
dwelling-house and fitted up the place for the accommodation of
travelers. — Asa Barton began the publication of the Oxford Observer
at Norway this year. The newspaper press and material were moved
from Paris Hill in an ox-cart in the night. Norway people elated.
Paris Hill people indignant. — Dr. Jonathan S. Millett began the prac¬
tice of medicine here.— William Pierce, “a very upright and industri¬
ous man,” died June 3d, “aged 40,” from effects of an injury received
while felling trees. — David Frost, one of the first settlers on Frost
Hill, died March 12, aged 83. — Ebenezer Cobb, a Revolutionary sol¬
dier, died May 9th, aged 70.
1827
In January, Anthony Bennett, Jr., commenced to run a weekly
stage to Bethel. — Nathan Noble was fatally injured by the fall of a
tree January 13th, aged about 56. — Uriah Holt was elected represen¬
tative to the Legislature. He was also chairman of the selectmen. —
Ebenezer Whitmarsh, a soldier of the Revolution, died June 6th, aged
67. — The wife of Phinehas Whitney died “of old age” June 26th.
1828
Rev. Benjamin B. Murray settled in Norway, as pastor of the
Universalist church society. He had just been ordained as a minister
of the gospel. — The town valuation had risen to $106,000, and the
number of scholars to 637. — Greenwood sent the representative to the
Legislature. — The contest in the Presidential election was between
John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts, then the Chief Magistrate,
and General Andrew Jackson of Tennessee. General Jackson was
elected. The vote in Maine was about 20,000 for Adams to about
13,000 for Jackson. But Jackson obtained one elector from the Port¬
land district. The Adams men elected the Governor. Norway was
strongly national republican in those times.
1829
In July a fire engine company was organized. It comprised 18
of the younger element of the business men. Among them were Ezra
F. Beal, Horatio G. Cole, Jonathan B. Smith, Elliott Smith, Asa Bar¬
ton, John Tucker and Dr. Asa Danforth. The selectmen appointed
15 of them as enginemen to take care of and manage a fire engine
subject to laws respecting enginemen. They met at the village school-
house and organized by electing Lewis Crockett, master and keeper
of the engine, and Elliott Smith, clerk. Asa Barton, Dr. Danforth
and Ezra F. Beal were appointed as a committee on by-laws, and the
company was named the “Defence Engine Company.” The company
dissolved in November, 1833. In May, 1834, it was reorganized. In
August, 1837, the company was again disbanded only to be reorgan¬
ized again in 1838. — Uriah Holt was representative to the Legislature
HISTORY OF NORWAY
147
for the last time. — David Noyes was chairman of the selectmen. —
The number of scholars was 600. — Solomon Millett lost his barn by
fire May 7th, and with it four oxen, eight cows, four three-year-old
cattle, two horses, several tons of hay and a considerable lot of
grain. — On the 18th of April, Levi Frank, aged 63, was killed by
falling into a cellar while moving a building for John Parsons, Jr.
This occurred on what is now the Albert Richardson place. — A county
temperance society organized here in June. — Mrs. Hannah (Parsons),
third wife of Benjamin Witt, died January 1st, aged about 50. — •
March 8th, John Robinson died from dropsy, aged 70. — Asa Barton
sold his interest in the Oxford Observer to William E. Goodenow, a
practical printer. William P. Phelps had acquired an interest in the
newspaper the previous year.
1830
Asa Barton’s store was robbed on the night of August 12th. The
burglar, giving his name as William Bacon, was captured in Weld
and all the goods, consisting of silks, satins and jewelry recovered. —
John March erected a clothing mill on the Noyes Brook at Norway
Center and began business there in September. — Benjamin Witt lost,
by fire, his house with most of the household effects, in April, and in
August, the barn of John Parsons, Jr., was struck by lightning and
destroyed with the hay. — Stephen Curtis, a Revolutionary soldier, died
April 2d, aged 75. Phinehas Whitney, who was at Bunker Hill, died
in June, aged 80. Joseph Stevens, also a soldier of the Revolution,
died August 14th, aged 77, and Thomas Hill, a deserter from General
John Burgoyne’s army which surrendered at Saratoga, passed away
July 8th, aged 84. — A Mrs. Jordan died here May 1st, “aged 94.”
1831
Dr. Thomas Roberts of Hanover, a student of Dr. Jonathan S.
Millett, began the practice of medicine at Fuller’s Corner. — The 4th
of July was celebrated with great enthusiasm. A procession was
formed, which marched to the Universalist church, where appropriate
exercises were held. Prayer was offered by Rev. B. B. Murray, David
Noyes read the Declaration of Independence and Dr. Jonathan S.
Millett delivered the oration. — William C. Whitney and Lee Mixer
became permanent residents here.
1832
Ichabod Bartlett was elected representative to the Legislature. He
was the first one to be born in what is now the town of Norway to
receive this honor. He was twice re-elected. Mr. Bartlett had begun
his business life as clerk in William Reed’s store. — A large number
of children died this year from the effects of scarlet fever.
1833
Uriah Holt was chosen president of the local temperance society
and Benjamin Tucker, Jr., secretary. Two hundred and fifty persons
joined it during the year. — The number of pupils of school age this
year was 657. — Jonas Stevens, a soldier of the Revolution, passed
away February 9 at the age of 84.
148
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1834
Titus O. Brown, who had been an inn-keeper at Gray, went into
business with his son-in-law, Amos Purington, in what was afterwards
known as the Bennett hotel. Mr. Brown was a first-class landlord. —
Mrs. Rachel Briggs died January 18 from dropsy, aged about 63;
Mrs. Polly Stevens Frost, February 15, from a fever, aged 43; Jacob
Parsons in September, consumption, and David Gorham from the
same disease, aged 58.— Capt. John Rust, who received the mills
at the upper end of the village, on the settlement of his father’s estate
and had become a permanent resident here in 1815, died from the
effects of erysipelas, May 26th, aged 72. It is a singular fact that all
three of the proprietor’s sons, who came to Norway, like their father,
were sea captains. And Joseph and Henry were Universalists, while
John was a member of the Baptist church society. It does not appear
that Captain John took any part in public affairs or was elected to
any office while a resident here.
1835
Asa Thayer from Paris, went into trade in the village. — Loren H.
Wrisley opened a gunsmith shop. He continued to do business here
many years. — David Whitcomb, employed at Hall’s Mills, was killed
April 27, by some logs rolling upon him. He was 65 years old. —
February 4, Hannah Holt, wife of Uriah, died from consumption,
aged 46. Mrs. Hannah Merriam, wife of Silas, March 19, with same
disease, aged 55; also from same disease, Mrs. Sarah, wife of Elliott
Smith, June 9, aged 37; Mrs. Adaline, wife of Rufus F. Beal, died
November 12, aged 28, from cancer, and Mrs. Lydia T., wife of Joseph
R. Morse, aged 25, from same disease. Mrs. Drusilla, wife of Joseph
Gammon, passed away suddenly, aged 65.
1836
Maj. Henry W. Millett was the Norway representative this
year. — Addison A. Latham, a stage-driver of note, and later a rail¬
road conductor, having married Abigail Bartlett, daughter of Daniel
Holt, the blacksmith, became a resident of Norway. — Deaths: Zacha-
riah Weston the Revolutioary soldier, decline, at age of 75, March
19; Joseph Bradbury, April 4, erysipelas, aged 67; Mrs. Anna J., wife
of Benjamin French, Jr., consumption, aged 40; Nathan Foster, Feb¬
ruary 5th, suddenly, aged 72; October 11, Mrs. Elizabeth Flint, con¬
sumption, at 70; October 21, Mrs. Stephen Pingree, same disease, at
84; in November, May Elizabeth Hall, cancer, at 72; and Mrs. Daniel
Knight, December 20, from consumption, aged 74.
1837
For the purpose of distributing the surplus revenue of the United
States government among the people, a census of the inhabitants was
taken. Norway had a population of 1791. When finally distributed
it amounted to $2 for every person in town. — Rev. Charles Soule be¬
came pastor of the Congregational church society this year and Rev.
Reuben Millner of the Baptist society. — January 8, Col. Amos Towne
died suddenly, aged 57, and Nathan Foster, Jr., January 19, from
HISTORY OF NORWAY
149
fever, aged 45. — Bradley Foster, aged 13, son of Nathan, Jr., was
drowned in a pond in Greenwood, July 4th.
1838
Elliot Smith, born here in 1801, was the representative to the
Legislature this year. Politics ran high. The whigs had carried the
state in 1837, electing Edward Kent, Governor, but he was defeated
this year. Norway, always a whig stronghold, voted that way by a
big majority. Besides the representative, the large vote David Noyes
received in town, elected him county commissioner for two years. —
Norway had a town house built at the Center, on land of David Noyes.
The town meetings had previously been held in the meeting-house
there. — Abigail Fuller, wife of Benjamin Fuller, died March 4, aged
72, from influenza. Three soldiers of the Revolution passed away
this year: Amos Upton, April 3rd, of old age, at 96; Ephraim Bar-
rows, May 30, decline, aged 77; and Dudley Pike, July 30, decline,
aged 78.
1839
Capt. Amos F. Noyes marched his company to Augusta which it
reached March 6th, on the outbreak of the “Aroostook War.” The
Governor had called out the troops. The United States government
took up the boundary difficulty and the Maine militia were ordered
home. — John S. Shedd’s house with its contents was burned June
15th. — Two Revolutionary soldiers died this year: Jacob Frost, who
was at Bunker Hill, from old age, at 84; Amos Hobbs, June 3,
dropsy, aged 77. Other old people: Samuel Andrews in February,
consumption, at 68; Chloe Cobb, March 19, same disease at 78; also,
Mrs. John Millett, April 10, at 78; widow of Dudley Pike, April 30,
dropsy, aged 80; Mrs. Peter Buck, September 10, consumption, aged
80; Mrs. Z. Perkins, September 16, dropsy, at 81, and Josiah
Blanchard, October 27, at 70.
1840
David Noyes was re-elected county commissioner. — Simon Stevens,
son of Joseph Stevens, the first settler, was elected representative to
the Legislature. He was twice re-elected. He was also chairman
of the selectmen. — The United States census this year, gave Norway
a population of 1786. — The scholars numbered 713. — The town pur¬
chased a farm for the poor. — Mrs. Esther, widow of Israel Millett,
lost her barn and its contents by fire in October. — The excitement
over the Presidential election was unparalleled. “Maine went hell¬
bent for Governor Kent, Tippecanoe and Tyler, too.” — Deaths of old
people: Mrs. Keziah, widow of Thomas Hill, aged 93, January 13;
March 4, Mrs. H. Giles, consumption, at 66; April 24, John Needham,
a Revolutionary soldier, palsy, aged 80; Mrs. Susannah Frost,
apoplexy, 64, April 25; Mrs. Clarissa (Noyes) Brown, October 21,
dropsy, at 64; David Woodman, November 6, aged 93, and Mrs. Mary
(Woodman) Smith, December 31, consumption, at 65. — December 4,
John Ames, aged 9, son of Baker Ames, was drowned in the mill pond
while playing with other boys on the ice.
150
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1841
Simon Stevens was re-elected representative. — The new county
road from Ford’s Corner to Otisfield line was built in the autumn.—
Mrs. Elizabeth (Hobbs) Stevens, widow of Joseph Stevens, died April
10 aged 83; May 17, Willis Sampson, cancer, aged 65; a Mr. Francis,
June 26, stoppage, at 79.— Rev. Timothy J. Tenney settled here this
year as pastor of the Universalist church society.
1842
Benjamin Tucker, Jr., was elected representative to the Legisla¬
ture _ Col. John Millett’s house was burned on the 18th of March.
An epidemic of scarlet fever produced the deaths of many children.—
Deaths of old people: July 11, the widow Prince, apoplexy, 73, Au¬
gust 11, Asa Pool, consumption, 50; September 20, a Mrs. Thompson,
91; October 28, Benjamin Witt, the pioneer blacksmith, palsy, at 77;
November 6, Peter Buck, "the first shoemaker here, at 94; and Novem¬
ber 24, Mrs. Ruth, widow of Capt. Joseph Rust, at 79.
1843
There were 347 polls in town and 713 children of school age.
Adna C. Denison from Vermont, went into trade at Steep Falls. He
wrought a great change by paying cash for everything he purchased
if it was required. — There were a few Millerites in this vicinity who
looked for the second coming of Christ and the end of the world.— A
fire which burnt the house of Mr. Job Eastman at Norway Center m
the winter destroyed the records kept by the. town clerk for 46
years. _ Mr. Eastman’s family escaped in their night clothes. — On the
6th of October, at a husking at Dresser Stevens’ — later the Witt
place _ in an altercation between Hiram Totherly and Eben Hobbs, the
latter was stabbed about the collar-bone with a jackknife, and died
two days after. Totherly was tried for manslaughter, and convicted.
He was sentenced to serve one year in the county jail. On his release
he enlisted in the Mexican war, was shot in battle and died from the
effects of his wounds. — Deaths: William Hobbs, first store-keeper at
Norway Center, February 20, 63, consumption; April 4, Mrs. Mary
Boleyn, daughter of John Lombard, the Revolutionary soldier, 48, of
same disease; June 23, Mrs. Elizabeth Cobb, nearly 90; July 10, Mrs.
Amelia (Wetherbee) Wilkins, dropsy; October 25, Joshua Smith, con¬
sumption, 73; December 1, Capt. John Millett, influenza, 76 nearly.
1844
Holden’s Mills on Crooked River were burned in November. — A
meeting was held at Anthony Bennett’s hotel, to determine what could
be done towards promoting the building of a railroad from Portland
through this section to Montreal. Nathaniel Bennett was selected as
chairman and Henry C. Reed, secretary. A committee was chosen
to find out whether the project was likely to be pushed. Deaths:
January 8, Mrs. Jerusha (Baker) Ames, influenza, 85; March 4, Mrs.
Esther (Robinson) Herring, 83; July 20, Mrs. Abigail (Millett) Par¬
sons 83; July 30, Silas Merriam, palsy, 76; September 8, Mrs. Sarah
(Hamlin) Crockett, dropsy, 77; October 7, Mrs. Lucy (Holmes)
Smith, 82; October 29, Ephraim Brown, 55.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
151
1845
The second meeting relating to the railroad project from Portland
to Montreal was held early in the year. Considerable interest was
manifested and some stock subscribed. At another meeting in July,
$20,000 of stock was subscribed. — A temperance meeting was held
here under the auspices of the Washingtonian movement. The prin¬
cipal speaker of the meeting was Neal Dow of Portland, who after¬
wards was the author of the Maine Law. — There were a large number
of deaths of old residents — two being pioneers in the settlement of the
town, Dea. William Parsons, 85, January 8, and Benjamin Herring,
84, February 4; February 28, Job Eastman, 95; February 23, Josiah
Hill, 80; June 4, Mrs. Asa Hicks, dropsy, 64; August 10, Mrs. Sarah
(Kimball) Towne, 60; August 24, Mrs. Tabitha (Cotton) Bradbury,
80, nearly; October 30, Joshua Crockett, 54; December 24, Daniel
Watson, 83; December 29, John Frost, 77.
1846
The Norway Female Seminary was advertised in the local paper
with Rev. Charles Soule as principal; Miss Emily Bailey, Teacher of
Music; and Miss Ann N. Deering, Teacher of Drawing and Paint¬
ing. — Changes were made in the county road between David Noyes’
and the Greenwood town line. — Eben Hobbs and Richard Evans began
the manufacture of plows in the village. — Deaths: April 11, Daniel
Young, 64; June 18, Mrs. Mary (Stowell) Rust, consumption, 55;
June 28, Mrs. Annie Morse, 68; August 4, widow, Sally (Archer)
Rust, 83; September 1, Mrs. Mercy Woodman, consumption, 75;
October 6, widow Ruth (Symonds) Shedd, 88.
1847
Mr. Ebenezer P. Hinds took charge as Principal of the Norway
Liberal Institute.
A Town Meeting in ’47.
Hoyt Pingree was a strange genius and a natural wit. “He was
a queer compound of laziness and hard work, of simplicity and genius,
of foolishness and common sense. In many things he lacked wisdom,
in others he was very wise, but on two points his towns-people were
well agreed, he was quick-witted and had a large heart.” He was the
wit of the town of that period.
Some project was started which its sponsors wished to get through
at the March meeting in 1847. Much interest was shown and it was
thought by those having the matter in charge that the voters present
were about equally divided. A sharp discussion sprang up between
the “smaller fry.” Uriah Holt, then about 75, arose to speak-
“He was of quiet and almost ministerial dignity, the finest sample of
a gentleman of the old school then living in town.” He favored the
scheme, made his points well; spoke fluently and was listened to with
marked attention and respect. “He was of the average height —
square-shouldered, compact in build, of easy address, fluent in speech,
and very much at home before an audience.” After him were several
desultory speeches in opposition and then David Noyes felt called
upon to sustain his aged chief and long time file leader. He was tall
152
HISTORY OF NORWAY
and straight and verging on sixty, moderate and precise of speech,
used no superfluous words, stated his proposition clearly, and left so
little apparently to be said that the opponents of the measure felt that
the tide had set in against them and the call was all but lost. Then
from the westerly side of the house came the exclamation: “Mr. Mod¬
erator!” which at once drew the attention of the whole assemblage.
They apparently knew what was coming for it was no new thing for
Hoyt Pingree to attack the two leading men of the town of that
period and put them to rout. He was younger by a year than David
Noyes, not quite of the medium height and stooped, clothes rather the
worse for wear and untidy, with hair and beard untrimmed. He felt
perfectly at ease on his feet, and never lacked for words, though not
of classical form, yet they struck the average man in such language
as he could easily understand and appreciate. He attacked his op¬
ponents’ propositions and declared the scheme to be for the benefit of
the few and against the interest of the many; then he turned their
arguments into ridicule and soon the people were in a roar of
laughter and when he took his seat and the vote was taken, it was
found that the proposed measure was defeated by a good majority.
The wit and telling phrases of Pingree the commoner, had carried
the question against the finer arguments of the two squires. It was
Mr. Holt’s last struggle in an annual town meeting, for he died in
June following.
Deaths: Jan. 19, Widow Rebecca (Stevens) Frost, one of the
first settlers, 80; April 15, Joseph York, Jr., 19, from injuries in saw
mill at Steep Falls; April 17, William Cox, 73; June 16, Mrs. Jane
(Richmond) Frost, 67, (72); July 3, Mrs. Mercy Bartlett, 80; July
23 Mrs. Hannah (Hammond) Parsons; July 27, Mrs. Esther Jordan,
75’; Sept. 3, Mrs. Mary (Weare) March, 78; Oct. 24, Mrs. Mary
(Farnum) Towne, 67; Nov. 18, Cyrus Cobb, from a fall in his barn,
54; Nov. 25, David Morse, 75; Dec. 6, John Parsons, one of the early
settlers, 85.
1848
Moses B. Bartlett from Bethel began the practice of the law
here.— Otis True from Poland became a taxpayer this year. He was
one of a large number of new residents, attracted by the building of
the Atlantic & St. Lawrence Railroad.— October 24, the Norway Lib¬
eral Institute was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. — Deaths:
February 1, Asa Barton, who published the Oxford Observer here in
the twenties, consumption, 54; February 21, James Packard, a Rev.
soldier 89; March 27, Hannah (Pratt) Gorham, 80; April 20, Mrs.
Martha (Wood) Merrill, 90; June 11, Mrs. Sarah Lasselle, con¬
sumption, 53; July 19, Rufus Bartlett, 86; July 25, Zephamah
Frost, 65; Sept. 4, Joseph Small, 74; Sept. 7, Lucy (Robinson) Hobbs,
one of the first settlers, 89; Sept. 16, John Case, cancer, 75; Oct.
2, Mrs. John Parsons, 80; Nov. 28, William Reed, the first postmaster
here, consumption, 73.
1849
At the annual town meeting a code of By-Laws was adopted. The
by-laws were never rigidly enforced.— The railroad was built to
HISTORY OF NORWAY
153
Mechanic Falls during the year. — Deaths: June 21, Uriah Holt, gall
stones, 73; March 17, Timothy Jordan, “old age,” 82 — he is said to
have been a Rev. soldier who was at Yorktown — if so he could
have been but fifteen years old or in his 15th year at that time,
but he might have served a period before peace was declared; April
25, Susannah Tubbs, non compos mentis, 90; July 21, Widow Mary
(Blake) Bennett, consumption, 70; July 24, Mrs. Elizabeth (Dins-
more) Millett, same, 76; Oct. 11, Mrs. Chloe Holt, same, 80. A
large number of children died during the year from a prevailing
epidemic.
1850
The railroad track was extended to South Paris, and regular trains
were run between there and Portland. — The United States census
showed that Norway had a population of 1962. The valuation was
$200,594, polls 400, and 779 scholars. — Mark H. Dunnell was one of
the new settlers. He was principal of the Norway Liberal Institute.
He purchased the local newspaper. — The grist mill at the head of
Main street in the village was burned in December. — On the first of
May, six Norway Rev. soldiers were living, viz.: — Joel Stevens
in his 95th year, the oldest person in town (he died on the 18th
of the same month) ; Joseph Gammon, aged 92 — (when census
was taken was in Otisfield) ; Samuel Ames at 91 ; Daniel Knight at
90; John Lombard at 86, and Darius Holt at 85. — Mrs. Abigail (Gor¬
ham) Bartlett was 91, Mrs. Mary (Shedd) Needham 85, Titus O.
Brown 84, Mrs. Esther (Taylor) Hale 84, Charlotte (Churchill) Bar-
rows 82, Benjamin Rowe 82, Mrs. Elizabeth Ellis 82, Mrs. Elizabeth
(Blake) Bennett 82, Mrs. Charity (Doughty) Frank 81, Benjamin
Flint 80, Mrs. Sarah (Wagg) Hill 80, and Solomon Millett 80. There
were four others in their eightieth year: William Beal, Benjamin
Peabody, John Richardson, and Mrs. Olive (Hobbs) Stevens. Three
were widows of Rev. soldiers when census was taken — Mary Needham,
Charlotte Barrows and Olive Stevens.
Deaths: Jan. 15, Wm. C. Brooks, 74; February 15, Jeremiah
Hobbs, consumption, 64; July 20, Jonathan Woodman, 78; Mrs.
Sarah (Jenkins) Pottle, 82; Aug. 10, Wm. Churchill, consump¬
tion, 54; August 3, Mrs. Martha (Pike) Crockett, 59; October 10,
Simeon Walton, 72; William Beal, 81.
1851
The grist mill at the head of Main St., burned last year, was
rebuilt and greatly improved. — Dr. Jesse Howe began the practice
of medicine here this year. — Rev. John L. Stevens became pastor of
the Universalist Church society. — The first great fire in the village
occurred on the night of Sept. 22. It caught or was set in the
stable of Anthony Bennett’s hotel. An account of the fire is given
elsewhere. — Deaths: Jan. 17, Hannah Jordan, 76; May 25, Levi
Shedd, consumption, 55; June 17, Daniel Watson, consumption, 50;
August 4, Mrs. Benjamin Jordan, over 60; Oct. 24, Abigail Par¬
sons, convulsions, 54; Oct. 30, Mrs. Titus O. Brown, 82; Nov. 4,
Mrs. Daniel Holt, consumption, 68.
154
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1852
A History of Norway by David Noyes was issued this year. The
writer, manufacturer of the paper used, printer and binder of the
book were all residents of Norway. — Hon. Samuel Gibson became a
resident here this year. He had been sheriff of the county, and also
held other important offices. He removed to Bryant’s Pond where for
several years he was in trade with his son, George E. Gibson. He
later returned to Norway. — There was considerable rebuilding on the
tract burned over by the great fire of the year before. — Over fifty
new names were added to the tax list this year. — Deaths: Jan.
14, John Richardson, 80; Jan. 27, Hezekiah Mclntire, dropsy, 83;
June 11, Daniel H. Witt, a fireman, was killed on the railroad; June
28, widow Elizabeth Ellis, consumption, 82; March 8, Mrs. Sarah
(Rust) Farwell, consumption, 63; March 18, Samuel Ames, palsy, 93;
April 9, Nathaniel Millett, apoplexy, 80; June 15, Mrs. Mary Frost,
consumption, 68; Wm. K. Emery, consumption, 54; July 12, Mrs.
John Bird, consumption, 76; July 29, Gen. Wm. Parsons, fever,
66; Aug. 26, Rev. Edwin F. Quimby, fever, about 35; Sept. 29, Mrs.
Otis True, consumption, 31; Oct. 17, Mrs. Elizabeth (Jordan) Rowe,
dropsy, 82; Dec. 28, Joseph Gammon, a Rev. soldier, in his 95th year.
1853
A vote was passed at the annual town meeting to allow the school
districts to select their own agents. — A club of Temperance Watch¬
men was organized in the spring in the village. — Deaths: Jan. 31,
Daniel Knight, a soldier of the Revolution, aged 93; Sept. 29, Franklin
Manning, 45; Jonathan B. Smith, 53; Austin Buck, 72; Nov. 24, in
Michigan, James Bickford, 84.
1854
The town lines were perambulated this year. — The vote at the
Governor election in Septetmber gave Anson P. Morrill, Maine law,
204; Albion K. Parris, democrat, 129; Isaac Reed, whig, 22; Ezekiel
Holmes, free soil, 1. — Deaths: May 6, Mrs. Nancy Mixer, 72; July
4, Stephen Greenleaf, 75; Aug., Darius Holt, the last of the Rev.
soldiers who settled in Norway, aged 89.
1855
The election in Maine was largely influenced by the affray in
Portland at the liquor agency by which one Robbins was killed. The
democrats made such use of the killing of Robbins who was among
the rioters, that they carried the state, electing Samuel Wells, Gover¬
nor, and the county ticket in Oxford. The vote in Norway was:
Anson P. Morrill, republican, 196; Samuel Smith, democrat, 263;
Isaac Reed, whig, 9. — Deaths: Feb. 23, Titus O. Brown, 90; Aug.
22, Eben Hobbs, 65.
1856
The elections this year in Maine went strongly republican, revers¬
ing the result of the previous year. In Norway, Hannibal Hamlin, re¬
publican, who was elected Governor, had 256 votes; Samuel Wells,
democrat, 223; George F. Patten, whig, 10. Norway had always been
HISTORY OF NORWAY
155
a federal or whig town, but now it became republican which it con¬
tinued to be for many years. — The notable death this year was that
of Dea. John Horr at nearly 90.
1857
Deaths of old people: Nov. 1, Daniel Town, 70; November 13, Amos
Ordway, 83; Dec. 18, Solomon Millett, 88.
1858
On the question of licensing an agent to sell spirituous liquors,
the town voted at the annual meeting, 1 for, to 158 against the propo¬
sition. — Henry W. Millett was chosen representative to the Legisla¬
ture. — Deaths: Jan. 5, Charlotte (Churchill) Barrows, 90; March
26, Esther Bartlett, 83; Oct., Phebe Pratt, 63; Dec. 28, Simon
Noble, 61.
1859
At the annual town meeting, the selectmen were instructed to dis¬
pose of the military stores belonging to Norway. — Three lots from
Paris were annexed to the southeastern part of Norway. Paris re¬
sisted and attempted to get the annexed territory restored. The con¬
troversy was fought out in the Legislature for two or three sessions. —
Jonathan S. Millett, who was returning home from the gold diggings
in California, died on the passage to New York, at the age of 31. —
Deaths: Jan. 7, Henry Hayden, 72; Aug. 1, Mrs. Sarah D. (Penley)
Crockett, 40; Sept., Lewis Crockett, 64; Dec. 6, Wm. Clark Whitney,
94.
1860
The elections this year were carried by the republicans in state
and nation. Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United
States and Israel Washburn, Jr., Governor of Maine. Several South¬
ern States seceded before Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated,. March 4,
1861. — The annexed territory from Paris was joined to the village
school district by vote of the town. — Deaths: Feb. 8, Mercy P. Jordan,
76; James M. Buck, 76; March 23, James Flint, 82.
1861
War between the North and South began by the attack upon Fort
Sumter by the Rebels on the 12th of April. One company of three
months men was raised in Norway for service at the front. Five hun¬
dred dollars was appropriated at a special town meeting for the aid
of the families who should enlist in Co. G, 1st Maine Infantry Vols.
Three hundred dollars was voted at another special meeting held in
November. — A monument was set in Pine Grove Cemetery to mark
the grave of Rev. Thomas Barnes, the first Universalist preacher in
Maine, whose remains had been removed from Poland and reinterred
here. — John S. Henley, born in Norway, a grandson of John Henley
the pioneer, died at the Relay House, Md., Dec. 8, at the age of
23. He was a soldier in the Norway Co. G, 10th Maine, from
Otisfield.
156
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1862
At a special town meeting in April, $500 was appropriated to aid
soldiers’ families. At another special town meeting, resolutions of a
very patriotic character, drafted by Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., were passed,
and the town voted to pay $55 for every soldier who enlisted in the
cause of his country, and appropriated $1,155 for the purpose. At
another special meeting held in August, it was voted to pay $100 to
every soldier who should enlist on the quota of Norway and a com¬
mittee of ten was selected to procure enlistments. Two companies
were raised composed in part of Norway men — one for the 17th
Maine and the other for the 23rd Maine Regiment. A company had
been recruited for the 14th Maine, largely composed of Norway men,
in December of the previous year. — Deaths: March 10, Simeon Noble,
71; March 19, George W. Verrill, 51.
1863
At the annual town meeting $500 was appropriated to aid sol¬
diers’ families. At a special meeting in November it was voted to
pay each soldier who should enlist on the quota of Norway the sum
of $200. — Deaths: March 9, Isaac Bolster, 66; April 22, John Bird, 88;
June 3, Henry Rust, 80; July 15, William Pingree, 75; Dec. 4, Olive
Stevens, 91; Dec. 31, James P. Shedd, born in Norway, Co. C, 5th
Maine, on quota of Greenwood, 27.
1864
At a special meeting in August, Charles C. Sanderson and Henry
Tucker were selected to procure recruits for the army, their compen¬
sation to be $25 for each man so secured. — The vote on the constitu¬
tional amendment, submitted to the people, giving soldiers and sailors
in the service of the government the right to vote, was for the propo¬
sition 245, against, 172. — At a special meeting in December it was
voted to pay $100 for each volunteer on Norway’s quota to serve on
the coast for one year. It was decided to raise by loan $6000 for
bounties to volunteers for filling Norway’s quota under the last call
of the President. — Norway paid in bounties during the war, $22,066.-
42. — The citizens of the town contributed for the U. S. Sanitary and
U. S. Christian Commissions and Hospitals, besides private contribu¬
tions, $2,475. The town furnished aid to 117 families of 322 persons,
$4,197.75 during the war. — Prior to the call for volunteers Oct. 17,
1863, Norway furnished 140 men. In that and following calls 108 or
their equivalent. Total, 248. — A serious affray occurred at a lyceum
at the Norway Liberal Institute on the evening of April 15, in which
J. Penley Packard, one of the students, was seriously injured. —
Addison E. Verrill was chosen Professor of Zoology at Yale Uni¬
versity in August.
1865
Two thousand dollars was appropriated at the annual town meet¬
ing to pay part of the war indebtedness. — It was later voted to exempt
from taxation all manufacturing establishments erected and operated
within three years. — The selectmen were instructed to revalue the real
estate in town. — The following were some of the heavy taxpayers this
HISTORY OF NORWAY
157
year: Ezra F. Beal $174, Sumner Burnham $102.54, James Bennett
$104.52, Horatio G. Cole $109.86, Cyrus Cobb $142.08, Isaac A. Deni¬
son $114, George F. Evans $186.09, William Foster $133.14, John L.
Horne $121.25, E. Austin Holmes $172.14, John H. Millett $110.82,
Mixer and Watson $100.80, Solomon I. Millett $139.32, Joel Millett
$104.34, Claude A. Noyes $109.26, George G. Ordway $172.80, Luther
F. Pike $104.22, William C. Pearce $127.14, Mark P. Smith $127.38,
Benjamin Tucker $124, Deborah Whitney $215.46. — Measures were
taken during the latter part of the year, to establish a National Bank
here. — Dr. George P. Jones began the practice of dentistry in the vil¬
lage. — The war had closed by the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s
Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House, April 9.
The surrender of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston to Gen. William T. Sher¬
man, and Gen. Richard Taylor to General E. R. S. Canby, followed.
There was great rejoicing over the dawn of peace, but Northern
hearts were greatly saddened at President Lincoln’s assassination,
on the evening of April 14, at Ford’s Theater, Washington, D. C.
1866
Six thousand dollars was appropriated at the annual town meet¬
ing, towards extinguishment of the town debt. — The Norway Savings
Bank was chartered in February. The stockholders chose Rev. N.
Gunnison, President; John Whitmarsh, Vice-President; Henry Upton,
Secretary; Lee Mixer, Treasurer; C. C. Sanderson, Ezra F. Beal,
Horatio G. Cole, Ceylon Watson, Isaac Denison, Robert Noyes and
Thomas G. Goodwin, Trustees. — The old foundry building at Steep
Falls was burned April 14. — Capt. Jonathan Blake purchased the old
mill and water power privilege at Steep Falls. — Captains Whitmarsh
and Jordan, late of the 29th Maine Regt., became proprietors of the
Elm House in April. — Henry M. Bearce from Hebron, late of the 32d
Maine, taken prisoner at the Mine Explosion .at Petersburg, Va., be¬
gan the practice of law here with C. C. Sanderson. — Charles Thomp¬
son, who was a brother-in-law of and had served in the Union Army
with Gen. George L. Beal, died here Oct. 5, at the age of 29.
1867
Two thousand dollars was appropriated for the extinguishment of
the town debt. — Concert Hall under the Universalist church was
leased for ten years by the town to hold its future meetings in. — On
the liquor question submitted to the people by the Legislature, the
vote stood: for prohibition 64, for license 21. — Capt. Wm. W. Whit¬
marsh became sole owner of the Elm House hotel in January. — The
Norway Savings Bank was broken into and robbed of money, notes,
bonds and other valuable papers, on the night of Sept. 21. An
account of the burglary is given elsewhere. — Sylvanus Cobb, Jr.,
removed to Hyde Park, Mass., in the autumn.
1868
A vote passed at the annual town meeting to reimburse the town
treasurer for loss sustained by him for $400 of the town’s funds he
had on deposit when the Savings Bank was robbed. — Upon the resolve,
submitted to the people by the Legislature, whether the towns and
158
HISTORY OF NORWAY
cities should be reimbursed for sums expended for war purposes, the
vote was: for, 1, against, 282.— At the March term of the Supreme
Judicial Court at Paris, one of the burglars of the Norway Savings
Bank, Truman F. Young, was tried, convicted and sentenced to the
State’s prison for nine years. — A Savings Bank building was built and
finished for occupancy during the preceding late autumn and early
winter. — The soldiers’ graves were decorated with appropriate cere¬
monies May 30. — The new Masonic hall was dedicated June 3d. — Mrs.
Lucinda Judkins died Nov. 28, aged 95.
1869
The roof of the Methodist Chapel in the northwest part of the
town, fell in from weight of snow upon it, Feb. 21. A religious
meeting had been held there but a very short time before the alfair
occurred. — A new military company was organized with the following
officers: Captain, George L. Beal; First Lieut., William W. Whit-
marsh; Sec. Lieut., Henry R. Millett. — There was a great freshet in
October which did much damage. — The ice went out of the lake, May
4. — On Decoration Day, addresses were made by Col. Wm. K. Kim¬
ball of Paris, of the 12th Maine, and Col. Wm. Wirt Virgin of the 23rd
Maine. — Deaths: Feb. 28, Maj. Henry W. Millett, postmaster, about
70; Aug. 13, Miss Joanna Pike, 81; Oct. 3, Dr. Willard C. George, 57;
Oct. 31, Jeremiah Hobbs, son of Amos Hobbs, the pioneer, at 85.
1870
Albert G. and John Parsons completed their flouring mill early in
the year. — A committee consisting of Col. Wm. Wirt Virgin and oth¬
ers was selected at a town meeting to examine into and report upon
John L. Horne’s claim for damages against the town on account of
the freshet in October of the previous year. — A cloudburst in the
northwest part of the town Aug. 16, did considerable damage to
crops, buildings, fences and trees. — An earthquake was felt Oct.
20. — Wm. E. Goodenow, who had resided here for many years, re¬
moved in the autumn to Kansas.
1871
The improvements made by Ezra F. Beal on the Beal’s Hotel and
the mills and machinery on Crooked River called Holden’s Mills, were
exempted from taxation by the town for ten years. — The Norway
Paper Mfg. Co. began business in June at Steep Falls. — There was a
big celebration in Norway, Independence Day. A fine military parade,
reading of the Declaration of Independence, music, and speeches by
Hon. Wm. P. Frye and Gen. James A. Hall, formerly Captain of the
2d Maine Battery which did signal service at Gettysburg — both very
eloquent speakers, were features of the day’s celebration. — Grasshop¬
pers were so numerous this year as to do great damage to vegeta¬
tion. — The Beal’s Hotel was opened for public patronage in July. —
Notable deaths this year were those of Horatio G. Cole, Aug. 29,
at the age of 69, and Ezra F. Beal, Dec. 19, in his 75th year. —
Otther deaths were: May 14, Peter Kimball, 78; Aug. 26, John Need¬
ham of Bethel, 80; Sept. 27, Joshua Damon, 87.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
159
1872
At a special town meeting held Nov. 9, it was voted to appropriate
not exceeding $10,000 to build a shoe factory for the purpose of estab¬
lishing a shoe business industry in the village. Henry C. Reed, C. W.
Ryerson, Isaac A. Denison, John L. Horne, A. A. Pottle, Frank A.
Danforth, Wm. Frost, 3d, Geo. L. Beal, Jonathan Blake, John Gerry,
Ansel Dinsmore, Freeland Howe, Albert Sanborn and Geo. W. Russell,
were chosen as a committee to make a contract with B. F. Spinney &
Co. of Lynn, Mass., to transfer its plant to Norway, and to superin¬
tend the construction of the factory. All this was done. The factory
was built on side street leading from Main to Beal St. — The Nor¬
way National Bank was chartered in February. Its board of direc¬
tors were Sumner Burnham, Isaac A. Denison, Freeland Howe, George
G. Phelps and H. C. Little. Sumner Burnham was chosen president
and Arthur E. Denison, cashier. — Gen. Geo. L. Beal was appointed by
President Grant, U. S. Pension Agent at Portland.— Arthur E. Deni¬
son gave the memorial address Decoration Day. — George J. Ordway,
a former Norway resident, died in Boston, Mass., Oct. 12, at 61.
His remains were brought here for burial. — Other deaths: June 16,
Solomon Millett, 79; Aug., Widow Lydia (Chase) Barton, in Minne¬
apolis, Minn.; Dec. 1, John Witt, 80.
1873
Provision was made by the town for the payment of the judgment
John L. Horne had obtained against the town for damage in the great
freshet of 1869. It amounted to $2,200, including interest and costs.
The claim might have been settled for less than a quarter of that
sum at first. — The B. F. Spinney & Co., shoe manufacturers of Lynn,
Mass., with Ivers L. Witherell as superintendent, located here in the
summer. The factory was built by contract with Moses Houghton
at a cost of $8,000. — A charter for a branch railroad from South Paris
to Norway was granted by the Legislature in February; nothing was
accomplished under it. — C. F. Whitman from Buckfield settled here
in February in the practice of the law.
1874
The check list was used for the first time in the selection of town
officers. Charles W. Ryerson, Wm. H. Whitcomb and Ansel Dins¬
more were chosen selectmen and C. F. Whitman, school supervisor.
It was the beginning of a long service in connection with the public
schools. — The town lines were perambulated this year. — A lodge of
Good Templars was formed here by Fred E. Shaw of the Oxford
Democrat, May 6th. It was called Pine Grove Lodge, No. 350. Rev.
L. H. Tabor was chosen Chief Templar; M. Addie Denison, Vice-
Templar; Charles G. Blake, Secretary, and F. M. Houguhton, Treas¬
urer. The minor officers were Mary Haskell, Winifred Evans, Lizzie
Akers, Fred E. Drake, Fred H. Gibson, Clara Hayden, Etta Hough¬
ton, Thomas G. Goodwin and Herbert Hillier.
1875
Wm. H. Whitcomb was elected chairman of the selectmen. — The
Norway Reform Club was organized in April with the following offi¬
cers: President, David Knapp; Vice-Presidents, Sam’l Thompson,
160
HISTORY OF NORWAY
James A. O’Connor and Geo. W. Locke; E. B. Whitehouse, Rec. Sec.,
and F. W. Howe, Fin. Sec. In the course of the year the club
secured some 200 members. A Ladies’ Aid Society was organized
in connection with the club which rendered great assistance: — Pine
Lodge of Good Templars surrendered its charter in December. The
interest in the temperance work was almost wholly absorbed by the
Reform Club.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
161
CHAPTER XXIV.
Annexation of Tract from Paris.
If one will examine the map of the town of Norway he will see
that its eastern line near the southern end is not straight but makes
a considerable bend to the east. A part of Norway village is in the
tract inclosed by this bent line, which was once a part of the town
of Paris. It is a portion of lots six, seven and eight in the first range
of lots in Paris, and Norway people owned so much of the land in
them and it would be so much more convenient at that period for those
who built upon it to belong to Norway Village than to South Paris,
that a movement was started in 1858 to have an act passed by the
Legislature annexing the three lots named to Norway.
Old Maj. Henry W. Millett, one of the sharpest and shrewdest
political managers Norway ever had, was elected as Norway’s repre¬
sentative to the Legislature that year. He had served as sheriff of
the county of Oxford as a whig and had joined the new republican
party and was high in its councils. The Paris representative was
no match for Major Millett in an affair of that kind.
Besides, the question on its merits appeared to favor Norway’s
side. Paris about 20 years before had obtained from Buckfield five
lots on its northeastern corner, on the ground of its greater con¬
venience to the people there, and this kind of a plea always has had
a sympathetic interest in the legislature whenever it has been made.
The petition was signed by Titus O. Brown and others. Mr. Brown
was in business at the Steep Falls and his dwelling house was very
near the line between the two towns and quite a portion of his land
at least was in Paris.
The matter coming to the attention of Paris, its leading men did
not look upon the project with favor and they opposed it. A special
meeting was called in February, 1859, and resolutions were passed
against it and a committee was chosen to oppose it in the legislature.
An act for the annexation of these lots to Norway passed the senate,
when Paris seems to have made more strenuous efforts in opposition,
but to no purpose, for it also passed the house and was signed by
the Governor. The next year the efforts of Paris to reopen the con¬
troversy and recover the lots taken away was turned down but
the following year (1861) Paris put up such a fight that a part of
the tract was restored.
The part of the tract reannexed to Paris is described as follows:
“All that part of lots numbered six, seven and eight in the first range,
in Paris, before the set-off in 1859, which lies easterly and southerly
of the following described line: Beginning in the northerly line of
said lot No. 8 and at the center of the old Rumford Road, so called;
thence following said center southerly till it intersects the road from
South Paris to Norway; thence in a straight line through the grounds
of the Oxford County Agricultural Society to the southeasterly corner
thereof; thence in a straight line to the northeasterly corner of Titus
O. Brown’s homestead farm; thence to the easterly line of said farm
on the Little Androscoggin River; thence by said river westerly to
the original line between Paris and Norway.”
162
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Paris people were elated at the final outcome of the controversy.
Norway people, though not satisfied, deemed it best to let the matter
rest as the legislature had settled it.
In 1859, the Norway Pine Grove Cemetery Association had been
organized by citizens of Norway and a cemetery located on the tract
over which the controversy was waged, and when the matter was
finally settled, it left this place of burial in Paris (which people from
abroad ascertaining without knowing the circumstances, wonder why
it should so be). It has, however, been treated in the matter of
burials as located in Norway, which is not strictly according to the
general laws on the subject. And it has been suggested that the
legislature should be applied to, to cure any defect that may exist.
An incident of the controversy is worthy of reproduction here:
During the hottest part of the fight, a citizen of Paris was suspected
of sympathizing with Norway. He was a dealer in gravestones and
monuments and was not over-popular with his townspeople — in fact
pretty generally disliked. He was opinionated and disagreeable and
few cared to try to influence him, as being a waste of time. But there
was one man, however, who had recently built one of the finest resi¬
dences in that village, on which he had been obliged to place a
mortgage for a time. He thought it might do some good to see and
have a talk with the suspected individual and did so. He found that
the matter was worse than had been represented, and was told that at
that stage of the controversy to get back the lost tract after a ceme¬
tery had been established upon it, was in effect an attempt to steal a
grave-yard, which he decidedly opposed. The other became excited
at this turn in the conversation and with some heat exclaimed:
“Where do you live, sir, in Paris or Norway?” “Where do I live,
Mr. Hersey, do you say? I live right down there,” pointing to a little
unpretentious building. “There is no bay window on it, there is no
cupola on it and there is no mortgage on it, Mr. Hersey.” It is need¬
less to state that this abruptly closed the conference.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
163
CHAPTER XXV.
The Race for the Railroad.
About 1840, the project of connecting the cities of Montreal and
Quebec in the St. Lawrence valley, with Portland or Boston by a
railroad, for a winter port from which steamers would run to Liver¬
pool, England, began to be agitated, and as soon as it was determined
to build the road there sprang up a rivalry between the two American
cities, as to which should secure the New England terminus.
If it had been desirable or practical to construct the road on sub¬
stantially an air line, from Montreal to an American seaport, there is
little doubt that Boston would have been selected, but it had been
determined by the Canadian projectors, to build the road to Richmond,
P. Q., as the best place where the branch road from Quebec could
be connected with the main line to either Boston or Portland as might
afterwards be determined.
Portland business men, seeing the great desirability of obtaining
the winter port of the Canadian cities by securing the New England
terminus of the railroad, in 1844, sent Judge Wm. P. Preble and
Josiah S. Little to Montreal to represent the city’s interest in the mat¬
ter. They set forth to the Canadians, the great natural advantages
that Portland had over Boston; that it had a splendid deep and land¬
locked harbor, for an open winter seaport; that its docking facilities
were superior; that the piers and wh'arfing required could be obtained
at much less cost than in Boston harbor; that Portland was 100 miles
at least nearer Liverpool, and that the city, its business men, and
men along the line of the projected road, would take a large amount
of stock in it and help build it in the states. They made a very
favorable impression upon the Canadian projectors, as they reported.
A company was chartered by an Act of the Legislature the following
winter under the name of the Atlantic and St. Lawrence Railroad
Company, to build the road in American territory. This of course
was dependent upon Portland being selected by the Canadian interests
as the New England terminus. It showed, however, that Portland’s
representatives were able to have their pledges performed. Over
$55,000 in stock had been subscribed in Norway and Paris alone.
In September the Atlantic and St. Lawrence Railroad Company
was organized. Ezra F. Beal of Norway and Thomas Crocker of
Paris Hill were members of the Board of Directors.
And here it may briefly be stated, that when it was finally decided
to build the road through this section, Mr. Beal wanted it to be laid
through Norway, while Mr. Crocker desired the line to run on the
east side of the Little Androscoggin and along the base of Paris Hill.
A compromise was made, and it was constructed on the west side of
the river. Had Mr. Crocker’s wishes prevailed, South Paris in all
human pi-obability would not now be the county seat.
The point upon which the New England terminus of the road
finally turned, was which city could be the quicker reached from
Montreal. The Portland managers proposed at the suggestion of
Grosvenor G. Waterhouse, an old stage driver from Oxford county
to Portland, to put the controversy to a practical test. This was for
164
HISTORY OF NORWAY
each city to select a driver or drivers, with a horse and sleigh in win¬
ter time and go over the proposed routes — each driver starting from
his city at the same time — the one who reached his destination
first, to decide the question at issue without further controversy.
This was agreed to by the managers for Boston.
The Portlanders of course, selected Waterhouse who “was one of
the most popular knights of the road who ever drove a stage coach
out of the Forest City,” to make the trip. He was at that time the
owner of a stage line from Paris Hill through Norway to Portland.
He has thus been described: “Waterhouse was a large framed and
fine looking man of florid complexion and distinguished appearance.
Seated on a Concord coach with his team of four or six horses, on
the gallop, cracking his whip as he rode up to the public houses and
post offices on his route, he was always the center of interest and the
admiration of all beholders.” No better man could have been selected
for the race and at once he began organizing for victory. He went
over the line from Portland to Montreal and arranged for changes of
horses at different places. The first change out of Portland was to be
at Gray Corner, then Ricker Hill, Welchville, Norway Center, Green¬
wood City, Bethel Hill, Upton, Dixville Notch, Colebrook, N. H.,
Canaan, Vt., and several other places beeyond, where fresh horses
were to be exchanged for the exhausted ones.
Orin Hobbs of Norway was one of the old stage drivers of that
period who became very popular, as did also Addison A. Latham, who
had come to Norway from Vermont and married Miss Abigail Holt,
one of the seven daughters of Daniel Holt, blacksmith — noted for
their beauty and charming qualities. For many years Hobbs and
Latham were in the employment of Waterhouse. And these three
were the men to win or lose for Portland the terminus of the road.
Orin Hobbs was selected to drive over the first hundred miles, Latham
the second part of the line and Waterhouse the last hundred miles.
The day selected for starting was March 29. An English steamer,
with mail aboard for Montreal, on its trip to Boston was intercepted
off the harbor by a tug boat which took this mail and delivered it to
Hobbs who was waiting on the wharf for it. Just how this could have
been arranged beforehand is not quite clear. It was about five o’clock
in the afternoon, when Hobbs started with it for Gray Corner, where
he was to make his first change of horses. A large crowd had col¬
lected to see him start off, and they cheered lustily as Dr. Stephen
Cummings’ racking mare, famous for its speed, flew away like the
wind for Brown’s Hotel at Gray Corner, 16 miles distant. It was
reached in a little less than an hour. The next stopping place for
changing horses was at Proctor’s Hotel, Ricker Hill. The change
being made, Hobbs flew away again over the road towards Welch¬
ville, where a fresh horse awaited him. Before he got there the
sleigh was upset in a bad place in the road and both thills broken.
Detaching the horse from the wreck, Hobbs seized the mail bag and
leaping upon the back of the horse, rode him at breakneck speed to
Welchville. Little time was lost there and soon with a fresh horse and
another sleigh, Hobbs was on the road over the plains towards Nor¬
way which he reached in two hours and forty-five minutes from Port¬
land. He had averaged about 18 miles an hour. He did not stop,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
165
however, in the village but pushed on to Noyes’ Tavern at Norway
Center, four miles away. There a very spirited horse was being held
by two men— —perhaps Whit” Hobbs’ famous roadster — waiting the
arrival of Orin Hobbs. It was the work of a minute or two to shift
the horses, and winding the reins around his arms, Hobbs, standing
up in the sleigh called upon the two men to let go the fiery beast’s
head and away he went with that horse on the run. The distance to
Greenwood City was made without mishap and in very quick time.
It was the fastest time, in fact, made on any part of the route by
any driver. This is a sample of how the three stage drivers rode.
At Braggs’ Tavern, Upton, Latham relieved Hobbs. No special" in¬
cident of Latham’s ride has come down to us, but he reached his des¬
tination on the time allotted him. His route was through Dixville
Notch, Colebrook, N. H., and Canaan, Vt., into Canada. At the end
of his ride, Waterhouse relieved Latham. On the last part of his
route Waterhouse drove four white horses hitched to a new or freshly
painted carriage on runners. In his fox skin cap and wolf skin over¬
coat and robe, he presented a very striking appearance. The robe
he had over his legs was also made from the skins of wolves. He
drove across the St. Lawrence on the ice and reached Montreal and
delivered the mail about six o’clock P.M. on the 30th of March _ 25
hours from Portland — an average rate of 12 miles an hour. Water-
house had beaten the Boston rider by four hours and secured for
Poitland the railroad from Montreal and Quebec and the winter port
of Canada.
It took thre6 days for the news to reach Portland, where it was
received with the greatest rejoicing.
When the road finally went into operation, all three of these stage
drivers were given positions as conductors on the passenger trains,
which they had so deservedly earned.
166
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XXVI.
Norway Hamlets.
Norway Center for more than a century has been the ideal hamlet
as that name has now come to be understood— “a small collection o
houses in the country.” There are not so many dwelling houses and
other buildings there now as formerly, but it has remained essentially
the same, if owes its existence as a hamlet to the gemus n.
nrise of one man, Maj. Jonathan Cummings, Jr., son of the proprie
tor of the Cummings Purchase, and the most popular of the fading
men of Norway in his day. From what we learn of him, he was the
ablest man in town of that perjpd. Had he let alone the spe cu at ion
in PhilliDS Academy lands — now a part of Greenwood and paid n
attention towards the development of the little hamlet at Norway Cen¬
ter he would have appeared in these times in his true light and been
fully appreciated. Instead he comes down to us as having been dis¬
appointed and having failed in his projects and ambitions, which
weighed upon his mind so heavily that in a period of deep me an-
Ch° Th’e^H obbs Pond is capable of being made several times the reser¬
voir it is today, and if it had been fully developed m the early days
mills might have been operated there for a good part of the year on
the water power furnished by the outlet of the pond i^Ch^hUlMM
the little grist mill on a mountain stream, run by Bela Churchill neai
Owl’s Head in Buckfield, in my boyhood, which was such a convenience
to the people living in that section, I have great faith m the powei
that might have been developed from the Hobbs Pond by increasing
its efficiency as a reservoir and bringing the waters to a lower leve
by LP1804°CMajor Cummings built a saw mill on the outlet of the
Hobbs Pond. Shortly after, William Hobbs opened a store, and a
public house in the vicinity. About the same time, a school-house
was built there. Then a blacksmith shop soon was m operation T
town clerk’s office had been established in the place when Norway
was incorporated in 1797. Major Cummings built the Congregational
church there in 1809. For a year and four months, beginning in
October, 1866, the people of that section had a post office. Rura
delivery of mail matter now renders such an office unnecessary.
Could these all have been in operation today, with the fei tile and
productive farming country adjacent, what more delightful p ace o
live and spend one’s days in, could there possibly be.
Fuller’s Corner.
Fuller’s Corner, where two main thoroughfares cross each other
in the northerly part of the town, is another little hamlet, which made
a center for the surrounding thrifty farming community. Benjamin
Fuller for whom the hamlet received its name, Dea. John Horr,
Amos Upton, Aaron Wilkins and Uriah Holt, gave it its prominence
hi the town in early times. Mr. Wilkins afterwards lived at Norway
Center near the church, and Mr. Holt passed the last years of his lue
HISTORY OF NORWAY
167
on the Maj. Jonathan Cummings place, within easy distance of it.
But in the early days, religious meetings of the Congregationalists
were held at the house of Amos Upton, just south of Fuller’s Corner.
Benjamin Fuller’s place was not at the four corners as might be sup¬
posed but a few rods west on the height of land on the old Waterford
road. His for many years was a public house. A store with vary¬
ing fortunes has always been in operation near or at the four corners.
In 1808 Daniel Towne from Andover, Mass., began blacksmithing
there but before he came Amos Upton, a natural mechanic, made
articles for domestic use and farming purposes. And Stephen Latham,
about the time cf the coming of Daniel Towne commenced in the
vicinity the business of making nails.
Jonathan Swift in the twenties and thirties, kept a store there and
was so prominent, that the place came to be generally called Swift’s
Corner, which name one very frequently hears to this day. Mr.
Swift was a politician and an influential leader of his party. He
served several years on the board of selectmen and assessors, was
county commissioner and representative to the legislature and a
senator in that body. The place today is generally called North
Norway.
The Chapel.
The chapel, situated at the four corners about a mile west of
Fuller’s Corner, had two desirable things which the latter lacked — •
a house of worship and a grist mill. In recent years a place where
goods and groceries have been kept for sale, has been in operation
there. The first mill was erected on the stream that runs through
the valley and empties into the Crooked River, by Amos Upton, and
in the spring and autumn quite a business was done.
Noble’s Corner.
When the new road from Greenwood to Norway Village was
opened about 1823, Nathan Noble, son of the early settler of that
name, built a store at the four corners made by the new road crossing
the old Waterford road, and was in trade there so long that the ham¬
let has since been called Noble’s Corner. Besides the store which
has been in operation to this day, it has maintained a blacksmith
shop. Its school-house is about half a mile to the east. It ought to
have been moved long ago to the vicinity of the four corners. It was
anciently called the Gurney school-house but for about fifty years it
has had the name of the Noble school-house. For a period during and
after the war, the post office for that part of the town was kept at
Noble’s Corner.
A larger number of dwelling houses have been erected at this
place than at all three of the little places previously mentioned.
At one time, there was quite a little settlement on the Crooked
River in Norway and Waterford, which flourished on account of the
mills, located there. Naturally it should have been called Holden’s
Mills from David R. Holden, who either alone or with others operated
for many years a saw mill there and did a considerable business.
168
HISTORY OF NORWAY
On the outlet of the North Pond in the Lee’s Grant, William Foye,
in the early days, erected a saw mill. This stream is known as the
“Foye Brook” to this day. The water power privilege and mill later
came into the possession of Col. John Millett and quite a business was
done there for many years, but the surrounding country was not suit¬
able for settlement and this mill after a time fell into decay and
ceased to be operated.
Norway Lake.
More extensive than all the other hamlets together of the town is
the little place two miles distant from the village, at the foot of the
Pennesseewassee Lake. It has borne several names: first, Ford’s
Corner, from John B. Ford, the second trader there; second, Frost’s
Corner, from William Frost, 3d, the son of Robert Frost, one of the
early settlers on Frost Hill. Mr. Frost traded there during the
forties and after he went out of trade bought and lived on the farm
recently owned by the late Benjamin Tucker. After the development
of the lake shores and islands by the erection of summer cottages
the post office name was changed to Norway Lake. It has now one
store, a post office, a blacksmith shop, school-house and a club hall.
It is a place of considerable business and the residence of Dr. C. A.
Stephens, the author. The place contains a large number of dwelling
Louses and has the double advantage of combining lake residences
with village advantages.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
169
CHAPTER XXVII.
Fraternal Societies.
Free Masons.
At the head of all secret associations of the world, stands the
Masonic Order. Speculative Masonry as it is known today, dates
back into the Middle Ages, and operative Masonry from a remote
period. It teaches a pure morality, the fatherhood of God and the
brotherhood of man. It may be said to be the father of all fraternal
associations, for probably in all of them are some things taken from
its ritual and teachings.
The first Masonic lodge formed in Oxford county was chartered in
September, 1807, by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, of which
Maine was then a part. There were nineteen petitioners, principally
from Paris, Norway and Buckfield. Henry Farwell, who had been a
law student in the office of Luther Farrar at Norway, and that year
admitted to practice — the first in the new county, headed the petition,
and at the organization of the lodge — named Oxford Lodge — he was
chosen Master. Of the petitioners from Norway were Luther
Farrar, Joseph Gallison and Joseph Rust. From Paris were Elias
Stowell, Daniel Stowell, Seth Morse, Abram Dean, and Levi Hubbard,
and from Buckfield were Dr. Wm. Bridgham, Abijah Buck, Larnard
Swallow, Oren Record, and Barnabas Perry.
The lodge meetings were held in Hubbard’s Hall, Paris Hill. In
1820, the lodge was removed to South Paris, where for ten years it
occupied the second story of the school-house. A period of twenty-
three years followed, when no meetings were held. This was caused
by public hostility growing out of the disappearance of William Mor¬
gan in New York, who it was claimed had been murdered for reveal¬
ing the secrets of the order. The excitement all over the country was
intense and hostility to the order lasted for many years — a political
party being organized in opposition to it.
That event was long talked about in the homes of the common
people, and the author remembers the horror it created in his mind
in his early days, but later, the copy of a book on the life of Benjamin
Franklin fell into his hands in which he calmed the apprehensions of
his mother about this society which totally changed his sentiments
and views. What Franklin wrote to his father about it is worthy
of reproduction here:
“As to the Free Masons, I know of no way of giving my mother
a better account of them than she seems to have at present (since it
is not allowed that women should be admitted into that secret
society). She has, I must confess, on that account, some reason to
be displeased with it, but for anything else, I must entreat her to
suspend her judgment, till she is better informed, unless she will be¬
lieve me, when I assure her that they are in general a very harmless
sort of people, and have no principles or practices that are inconsist¬
ent with religion and good manners.”
The excitement and hostility having subsided, efforts were made
to resuscitate the old lodge in 1853 — Abijah Hall, Rufus Stowell, and
170
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Stephen Emery of Paris, and Maj. Henry W. Millett of Norway,
being prime movers in the matter. Wm. Wirt Virgin, Otis True, and
Col. Geo. W. Millett of Norway joined the order. The next year the
lodge was moved to Norway. In the second story of what is now the
Advertiser office building, then Mixer and Watson’s shoe store block,
the lodge meetings were held for many years. In 1868, the lodge re¬
moved to more commodious quarters over the Noyes Drug Store.
Oxford Lodge now owns a fine businss block on Cottage street, in
the third story of which it holds its meetings. It has a large member¬
ship, a good bank fund, and is in a prosperous condition.
A Chapter of the Royal Arch was instituted at Mechanic Falls, in
1873. In 1882 it was removed to Norway. Its meetings are held in
Masonic Block. The Chapter has flourished since it was located here,
far beyond expectation. The membership is large, and it has the
reputation of being one of the finest in Maine.
The wives and daughters of the members of the blue lodge have
an organization, and “Ladies’ Night” once a year is a prominent
feature.
Odd Fellows.
Norway Lodge, No. 16, I. O. 0. F., was instituted in Norway in
1874. Arthur E. Denison was the first Noble Grand and Ai J. Rowe
the first Secretary. Its membership is very large and it has a large
invested fund. The lodge has always been in a flourishing condition,
owing to the good business management of the leading men in the
association. It owns a fine brick block on Main Street, in the upper
story of which its meetings are held.
The Daughters of Rebekah, as the female branch of the institution
is called, has also a large membership and serves to promote great
interest in the order.
Wildey Encampment, I. O. O. F., was formed here the same year
that the lodge was. Dr. O. N. Bradbury was its first Chief Patriarch
and Wm. H. Whitcomb, Scribe. It also has flourished and has a good
membership and an invested fund.
Knights of Pythias.
Pennesseewassee Lodge No. 18, K. of P. of Norway, was chartered
in 1878 with sixteen members. Fred H. Gibson was the first Chan¬
cellor Commander, and Ai J. Rowe, K. of Records. It at once at¬
tained great popularity which has continued to the present time. It
owns the building in which its meetings are held, in the vicinity of
Clark’s Drug Store, besides having a large invested fund.
The Grangers.
Norway Grange, No. 45, P. of H., was organized at Norway Lake
village in 1874. The leading promoters were Charles W. Ryerson,
George E. Gibson, Thomas Witt, Merrill J. Rowe, Ansel Dinsmore
and Edwin A. Morse. Charles W. Ryerson was chosen Master ; Mer¬
rill J. Rowe, Overseer; George E. Gibson, Lecturer; Ansel Diivsmore,
Chaplain; Edwin A. Morse, Treasurer, and Thomas Witt, Secretary.
For many years the grange meetings were held at the residence of
Ralph S. Freeman on the east side of the lake — his large roomy house
furnishing for a period ample quarters. Later the third story of
HISTORY OF NORWAY
171
what is now the Advertiser building, furnished the place of meeting,
till the fine building on Whitman street was built and occupied. The
association is now out of debt and in a very flourishing condition. No
organization has dore so much for the farmers of Maine and their
wives and children as the Patrons of Husbandry. Their general con¬
dition has been greatly improved — socially as well as materially. No
fraternal order in the state has so large a membership.
The G. A. R.
Harry Rust Post, No. 54, Grand Army of the Republic, was in¬
stituted at Norway in 1882. There had previously been one organized
here in 1867, but it had become defunct. The ritual of the order had
been revised, and new interest revived. Henry M. Bearce was se¬
lected as Commander; Henry R. Millett, Sen. V. Commander; Alonzo
J. Nevers, Jun. V. Commander; Cyrus S. Tucker, Adjutant, and
Horace Cole, Quartermaster. The first meetings of the Post were
held in Odd Fellows Hall. Later in other places, and now in the old
Cummings furniture building on Main Street, which is also occupied
by a branch of the order of the American Legion.
As the membership decreased by death, honorary members were
added, who by their financial aid, help to keep the treasury in neces¬
sary funds. Every year on Memorial Day, the soldiers’ graves are
decorated and appropriate services held.
In Dec., 1922, only seven men were living who enlisted on Nor¬
way’s quota, so far as could be ascertained. Their namees were: W.
Frank Cox, Charles F. Millett, W. Oscar Needham, David Flood,
Clarence M. Smith, Levi E. Holden and Edward F. Stevens.
A Ladies’ Relief Corps was organized in connection with the Post.
It has always had a large membership of effective workers, which
has greatly aided in keeping up the interest in the order and fur¬
nishing relief.
There are (1922) several other associations, among which are
the American Legion and Order of Moose which are in a flourishing
condition.
172
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Reform Movements.
The moral standard of the Pilgrims and Puritans was scarcely
ever equaled, and never surpassed by any people on earth. But even
the Mayflower passengers, as Gov. Wm. Bradford states, had a
few persons of questionable character “shuffled somehow into their
company.” Such manage in one way or another, to get into the
society of the best, in church and community. Nothing this side of
Heaven has been, or will be, absolutely pure and clean.
Freebooters and adventurers, in the early times following the
Discovery of America in 1492, by Columbus, found among the savage
tribes, fertile fields for their rapacity and unrestraint of passion.
And in later times, as the Eastern Country was being settled up, by
immigration from the settled communities, the influx of baser foreign
elements, lowered the general high standard which had prevailed
among the descendants of the early English settlers in all the colonies.
During the Revolution the gay French soldiers, who had come over
seas in the best of causes to assist in freeing the country from British
rule, sowed the seeds of materialism and immorality that Voltaire,
Diderot and others of the preceding generation had planted in France.
War is destructive not only of life and property but of moral worth.
In the track of an army, disease, crime and immorality flourish.
Even the wars of the crusades were no exception in this respect.
There has always been, and always will be, need of individual ef¬
fort for moral uplift. In the earliest times, missionaries went among
the Indians to teach moral and spiritual truths, and the value of
leading blameless lives. But later it became apparent that combined
efforts towards the eradication of social evils, especially the drink
habit among the people, was a pressing necessity.
The War for American Independence closed in 1783 by the ratifi¬
cation of the Treaty of Peace between Great Britain and the United
States, and this section of the country was generally settled after that
event and largely by men who had served in the Continental Army.
The County of Oxford was incorporated in 1805, and twenty years
thereafter the Oxford County Moral Society was organized at Paris
Hill in September of that year, during a session of the Common Pleas
Court. In Norway a local society was formed called the “Moral
Society of Norway.” In 1829, the secretary of this society issued a
call for the temperance people of the county to meet in Norway,
July 7, for the purpose of organizing a county temperance society.
On that date a large number of the leading men of the county and
others met here. Levi Whitman of Norway was selected as chairman,
and Samul F. Brown of Buckfield, secretary. It was decided to call
the association “The Oxford County Temperance Society.” Judge
Luther Cary of Turner was chosen President; Stephen Chase of Frye-
burg, Vice-President; Samuel F. Brown of Buckfield, Secretary; and
Jere Mitchell of Norway, Treasurer. Levi Whitman was chairman
of the Executive Committee. A local society subordinate to it was
formed in Norway in 1833. Uriah Holt was its President and Benj.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
173
Tucker, Jr., Secretary. Three hundred members were enrolled in
town that year.
The old Washingtonian Reform Movement originated among drunk¬
ards in Baltimore, Md., about 1840, and spread rapidly through the
country. It was the first general national temperance movement in
the United States. It reached Maine two years later or thereabouts,
and was everywhere received with enthusiasm. Thousands signed the
pledge which a great many kept through life, and became respected
and honored citizens. A county society was organized and local ones
in nearly all the villages and towns. Norway had a strong organiza¬
tion which did a great amount of good.
A tent of the Order of Rechabites was started here in 1846. James
N. Hall was Chief Ruler; Peter B. Frost, Deputy Ruler; William
Andrews, Secretary; and Loren H. Wrisley, Treasurer. John G.
Robinson, Shepherd and Ephraim H. Brown, Levite. The organiza¬
tion lasted about two years and then went out of existence.
The Sons of Temperance, a movement that started in New York
in 1842, was introduced into Maine in 1844. The next year the State
Grand Lodge was organized. “Aqua Division,” No. 147, was insti¬
tuted at Norway in 1850. The leaders in the movement were Wm.
Wirt Virgin, Geo. L. Beal, Rev. John L. Stevens, Lee Mixer, Mark H.
Dunnell, Samuel Favor, Cyrus Brown, Wellington Hobbs, Edwin W.
Howe, Isaac A. Denison and Osgood N. Bradbury. Wm. Wirt Virgin
was the first Patriarch and Mark H. Dunnell the first Secretary. The
order was very popular and existed in some parts of the state till
into Civil War times or later, but it did not last long in Norway.
Another organization called the Temperance Watchmen, whose
tenets were prohibition of the sale of intoxicating liquors, was formed
in Norway about the same time as the Sons of Temperance. The
meetings were held at Norway Lake village. The leaders in the
movement were Dr. O. N. Bradbury, who was chosen presiding offi¬
cer of the club, Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., Rev. John L. Stevens, Simon
Stevens, James L. Partridge, A. Oscar Noyes, Capt. Jonathan White-
house, and Hannibal I. Kimball. There was not interest enough
among the people to support two such lodges or clubs at the same
time and both appear to have died in 1854.
A lodge of Good Templars was organized here in 1874. For per¬
manent officers, chosen in Norway, Fred H. Gibson was Chief
Templar; Geo. H. Shedd, Secretary, and Emma O’Brion, Treasurer.
The charter was surrendered during the latter part of the year 1875.
A movement which lasted for ten years here was organized in
April, 1875, and called the Norway Reform Club. Its first President
was David Knapp. A Ladies’ Aid Society in connection with it was
formed in July of that year, and Mary L. Howe was chosen Presi¬
dent; Alice Burnham, Secretary; and Nellie A. Jewett, Treasurer.
No temperance work in Norway can be compared with that done by
these two organizations.
A great movement had begun in Maine in 1852-4 over the ques¬
tion of the prohibition of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating
liquors, and the further extension of negro slavery into the territories
of the United States, which absorbed the public interest and dis¬
rupted political parties in state and nation. The whig party went
174
HISTORY OF NORWAY
to pieces and the republican party was organized. It absorbed the
great masis of the whig party North, the free soil democrats, and
the American party. Prohibition became a settled state policy under
republican rule, but some fifty years later, under a democratic
national administration, by an amendment to the constitution of the
United States, prohibition has become the law of the land. The
wildest imagination before the great World War could not have rea¬
sonably conceived so momentous an occurrence.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
175
CHAPTER XXIX.
Norway Village in 1858.
Saturday in Norway Village was the busiest day of the whole
week. Main street from Shackley’s store to Major Millett’s Corner,
was then alive with bustling, active humanity. On either side would
appear a continuous line of teams of every description, hitched to the
well-gnawed posts, fringing the narrow pathways that answered the
purposes of sidewalks.
From North Norway, “Greenwood City,” “Yagger,” Pike’s Hill,
Waterford, Harrison, and other places, came an array of shrewd¬
faced Yankees, mostly farmers; some well skilled in all the arts of
horse trading and bargain making, with the equally sharp witted and
skilful traders. The country stores, the grist mills, blacksmith shops,
the hotel and post office, were the central points around which whirled
and eddied the streams of busy, bustling humanity. Let us tarry
awhile by the street side and watch the changing scenes.
It is “mail time,” and Bill Millett’s speedy pair of seal-brown
horses come trotting up the dusty street. The old yellow coach sways
and squeaks plaintively, but Millett knows every inch of the way, and
could easily drive over the course to and from the railroad station at
South Paris, with his eyes shut. The old “tally-ho,” driven by him,
has been over the same road for many, many years.
The plump mail bags are duly delivered to the genial postmaster.
David F. Noyes, whose luxuriant, black, curly locks grow in graceful
masses over his well-shaped head, while his sunny features beam
kindly upon all around. “Dave Frank,” to distinguish him from his
famous uncle David Noyes, the historian, is a deservedly prominent
man, capable, thorough, honest and reliable; he is a model postmaster,
and old Norway contained at that time no more popular man.
Squire Levi Whitman (nearly 70) approaches, clothed in a rich
suit of black — a man of noble personality, large framed, a good head,
carried well back upon his broad shoulders, as if to keep the loosely
fitting spectacles from sliding off his prominent nose. He makes a
pilgrimage to the post office, on the arrival of each mail, rain or shine.
Squire Wm. C. Whitney (over 92) steps from his seedy carriage,
the observed of all observers. He is the rich man of all the country
round, and commands great respect, because of his wealth.
Squire David Noyes (at 70), from his farm on the westerly side
of the lake, mingles with the crowd, a typical specimen of Yankee
schoolmaster, full of anecdotes, repartee and reminiscence.
Colonel (Geo. W.) Millett of the old Norway Advertiser, comes
from the old ink stained office across the street for his bounteous
mail — a marked man of distinguished presence. His coal black hair
is combed back over a well shaped forehead, and shines with silken
luster, while his piercing black eyes look sharply at you through
luminous spectacles.
Here is Rev. Henry Hawkins, retired to farm in Oxford, near
the village (at 70), with sharp cut, intellectual features. His keen
sarcasm, flashing like a rapier thrust, renders him a dreaded antag¬
onist in the frequent street debates.
176
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Neighbor (Joel) Parkhurst joins the growing crowd. He is
dressed in the very same gingham coat (duster) and straw hat worn
by him all last winter, and that, too, without flannels or overcoat.
Here comes Mr. (John) Whitmarsh, the jeweler. He has the very
air of clocks about hinq and we involuntarily glance at his face “to
see what time it is.”
Horatio G. Cole marches steadily along the sidewalk after his
mail. There is the odor of grease and numerous badges of wool card¬
ing about him, and his wonderful voice, heard so frequently as
auctioneer, seems as if saying — “going, going, gone.”
Alden Palmer, the miller, with his clothes and broad brimmed hat
covered with flour, has the path all to himself. Some one whispers
he is the best posted Free Mason in town, and we mentally lift our
hat to the dusty old miller of Norway.
Thomas Higgins, the first tinsmith in the village and well known
hardware merchant, comes along struggling with a vigorous asthma
and disabled vocal organs.
E. G. Allen, the stalwart village blacksmith, marches along with
vigorous stride, and we speculate upon the giant he would have been
with perfect feet.
John L. Horne and Mark P. Smith, the giants of the tanning in¬
dustry, come up the street together, discussing the price of hides and
leather, and leaving behind them a trailing odor of tan bark and
tallow.
Peter Kimball, diminutive of stature, erratic of vision, voice
piercing and far reaching, sincere, honest and industrious, moves rap¬
idly up the street. He is deservedly proud of his famous sons, his
cart wheels and his wheel-barrows.
And here, too, is Elliott Smith, the ex-postmaster and carriage
builder. His name is synonymous with integrity and honor.
Genial old Major Millett tears up the street in his meat cart,
drawn by a vigorous going nag. The Major has a pleasant word for
all, both old and young, rich and poor alike, although he and a stal¬
wart phthisic have been having a vigorous battle for years.
Mr. (Loren H.) Wrisley closes his gun shop by the “Corners ’ and
moves slowly up the street. His placid features and whitened locks
give him more the appearance of a college professor than that of a
maker and repairer of firearms.
The crowd increases. We note the honored Ezra Beal, whose face
to us, bore a marked resemblance to some of the portraits of Daniel
Webster.
Lieut. Geo. L. Beal of the Norway Light Infantry is commander-
in-chief of the British & American Express Co. in Norway. We gaze
with admiration upon his strongly marked features, and in them
and his commanding tones, we easily foretell the brilliant military
career just ahead of him.
“Doctor” (Rodolphus) Young passes us, redolent of drugs and
medicines.
“Bob” Noyes, the book-binder, smelling of Russia leather and sour
paste, pauses for a neighborly chat with Dr. (Jesse) Howe, the
thoughtful, tender hearted physician, who does not seem in good
health himself.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
177
“Will” Woodbury drives by in a white skeleton wagon drawn by a
well groomed, spirited but beautiful horse, — a picture that attracts
all eyes.
Otis True’s rotund form partly fills the doorway of the famous
old “Elm House” as he smiles blandly upon his numerous patrons and
friends. “Otis” is one of the firmly established institutions of Nor¬
way.
Lawyer (Wm. Wirt) Virgin, whom everybody calls “Wirt” Virgin,
and his warm personal friend, Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., walk arm in arm
to the post office — two noble specimens of vigorous manhood, observed
by all, and extensively honored and respected.
But why all this excitement? We turn our gaze up the street,
from whence comes roars of laughter. Ah! that reckless “Mad.”
Favor is up to some of his tricks. He has chartered Hamlin, of Ox¬
ford’s, team and is galloping the jack down the street, followed by a
crowd of fun loving urchins.
The excitement is soon over. The well known four horse coaches
en route for their destinations, roll rapidly away. Dr. (Asa) Dan-
forth in his gig rides swiftly up the street on a drive to Greenwood
where he will be gone long into the night before he returns. The
day is well advanced, and the farmers, having completed their pur¬
chases, are one by one departing for home. The village mail has been
distributed — gossip grows stale, the last tales are told and the lights
turned out. John Fitz rings the 9 o’clock bell in the belfry of the
Universalist church, and very soon the beautiful and thrifty village
by the lake is sound asleep. — J. C. Gallison in local paper.
178
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XXX.
Inns and Innkeepers.
As soon as this region had been settled and roads opened
for travel, there sprang up a demand for public houses where spec¬
ulators, land agents, emigrants seeking places for settlement farther
north, and travelers could be accommodated with a night’s lodging
and refreshments for man and beast. Journeys then were made on
horseback till the condition of the roads had become such, that wheel
carriages could pass over them with some degree of safety.
The farmers began quite early to go to Portland several times a
year to market their meats and skins of valuable fur bearing animals
which there were always in demand.
In the early days everyone was glad to entertain the stranger
seeking a new home, or visiting some relative who had settled farther
to the northward. In this way they learned of the doings in the out¬
side world, and if a mechanic he would tarry perhaps several days
and make or assist in making needed articles for household use.
The speculator and land agent was a different sort of an individual
and was supposed to pay for his lodging and entertainment, and did
so. The demand for places fitted up especially for the accommodation
of travelers thus became a necessity.
The first one in Norway to open a public house was Joseph
Stevens, about 1800, or shortly after the first county road was laid
out and opened for travel from the northern boundary of the town,
through Norway Center, the Parsons neighborhood and over the hill
into what is now the town of Oxford. He lived a little off this county
road as it now appears on the face of the earth, but not so far as
to be very inconvenient.
Mr. Stevens had been one of the leading men of Rustfield planta¬
tion and was a thrifty farmer. All indications point to the fact of
his having some means or property when he first moved his family
into their forest home. In eleven years his farm of about 115 acres,
was valued at $1,300, probably about half its full value. What his
personal property was when he opened his public house does not
appear, but he had cattle and swine, and was well to do.
When the County of Oxford was incorporated, in 1805, he took
out an inn-keeper’s license, which gave him a right to sell ardent
spirits, then considered essential to the successful management of a
public house. Mr. Stevens carried on the business for some twenty
years till about the time the new county road was laid out, from
Greenwood through Avhat was later called Noble’s Corner, by his
house to Norway Village.
David Noyes, having purchased the lot now the Alvin Brown farm,
cleared the land and built a commodious house and set of buildings
which hq fitted up for the accommodation of travelers. Perhaps he
had made some arrangement with Mr. Stevens, but at all evennts, the
latter quit, or had shortly before for some reason not now apparent,
dropped the business.
Over this new route into regions farther north for some twenty-
five years until the building of the Atlantic-St. Lawrence railroad
HISTORY OF NORWAY
179
from Portland through the county, turned the line of travel into an¬
other channel — was a great thoroughfare for trade and travel, and
Mr. Noyes reaped a rich harvest. When the railroad opened a new
trade route and destroyed the business, Mr. Noyes had accumulated
a property large enough to live on for the remainder of his days. He
sold his farm about 1866 to Mr. George E. Gibson and went to live
with one of his children in Massachusetts where he died about 1870,
and his remains were buried in the Norway Center cemetery. His
name is perpetuated in the “Noyes Brook,” the outlet of the Hobbs
pond — which flowed through his farm. Mr. Gibson’s name is pre¬
served in “Gibson’s Grove” on the westerly shore of the lake.
William Hobbs, the third trader in town, opened a public house at
Norway Center, on the county road, about 1807, and ran it in con¬
nection with his business till about the time David Noyes opened his
place for the public accommodation.
Benj. Fuller, after selling the lot on which he first settled, to John
Needham (it was the one just north of the present schoolhouse at
North Norway), bought a lot on the height of land a few rods west
of Fuller’s Corner on the old Waterford road, and built a two-story
house, which he afterwards, when the road had become a stage route,
opened as a tavern. “It was a famous resort in its day,” but when
the stage route was changed it ceased to do much business. The farm
for many years has been known as the Rollin Towne place.
William Hayes in 1846, opened a public house at Frost’s Corner,
which he continued to run for several years. It is probably the only
one ever operated in that place.
Others at various times in the farming communities have opened
public houses, but with indifferent success, and the business was soon
abandoned.
The first public house in the village was the Samuel Smith dwell¬
ing, which was built about 1801. Smith had come here the year
before as had also Dr. John Case. Some three or more years later,
perhaps, the house was opened for travelers, with Case as landlord,
and the customary license to sell spirituous liquors was obtained after
the County of Oxford was incorporated in 1805. Increase Robinson
bought the property shortly after coming here about 1806. Robinson
went into trade in another place but for many years either by himself
or some one under him the public house continued to be run, though
apparently not much account was made of it after Joshua Smith
opened a public house a little farther down the street. Mr. Frank
A. Danforth once stated that he saw, when a boy, a number of soldiers
from the western part of the county during the Aroostook war of
1839, stop at the place on their way to Augusta, for their drinks.
The first public house of note in the village was owned and man¬
aged by Joshua Smith, who had moved to Rust’s Mills in 1804. Two
years after he put up a two-story building on the northerly side of
Main Street, in which he lived, and a room fronting on the street, he
fitted up for a store. Back of this room he had a shop in which was
a turning lathe, and chairs and other articles were manufactured. In
this particular business his son Elliott was brought up, and it was
continued by him through life.
180
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Joshua Smith, in 1807, sold his farm, south of the four corners
on the southerly slope of Pike’s Hill, to Joseph Bradbury. Mr. Smith
owned land on both sides of Main Street. On the south side opposite
his dwelling house, on the site of the present Bartlett store, was his
barn. How long the store was run does not appear, but in a very
short time Mr. Smith made additions to his house and fitted it up and
furnished it for a public house which he continued to run for the ac¬
commodation of travelers till his death in 1843. After the death of
Mr Smith his son Elliott, not caring to run the place as a public
house, finally sold it in 1847 to Samuel Favor, Peter B. Frost, James
S. Greenleaf, Moses G. Dow, James N. Hall, Solomon S. Hall, Lorenzo
Hathaway, Thomas Higgins, Granville L. Reed, Asa Thayer, Jr.,
Francis H. Whitman and Loren H. Wrisley who enlarged the buildings
and fitted the place up in a style to suit the times and named it the
“Elm House,” and one of their number, Mr. James N. Hall, became its
landlord They were nicknamed “The Twelve Apostles,” but why so
called does not appear. Mr. Hall run the hotel for a year and Mr.
S. T. Dutton about two years. Then Otis True bought the property
and continued to run it successfully for some fifteen years.
JOHN A. WOODMAN
HISTORY OF NORWAY
181
Otis True was a model landlord for the period he owned and man¬
aged the Elm House. He was born about 1826, and was taxed here
in 1848. He married for his first wife, Martha S., daughter of Col.
John Millett, and second, Frances Ellen, a sister of Charles B. Cum¬
mings and a niece of James S. Greenleaf, one of the “Twelve
Apostles.” She was born in 1830. Mr. True was a good business
manager, pleasant and agreeable, kept a good house for those times,
and was liked by everybody. He was rather short, thick set and
portly, and his round, pleasant, jolly countenance beamed a hearty
welcome to all. He liked a good living and showed it. Mr. True’s
fame as a landlord spread abroad and “Otis’ Hostelry” became
famous.
Jeff. C. Gallison at a later time of the old Elm House under Otis
True, wrote:
“It was a jolly crowd of genial spirits that used to haunt the
murky atmosphere, redolent of tobacco smoke and good cheer, of the
famous old Elm House bar-room. Quaint old “Bill” Millett, with
weather-beaten face and firmly set jaws; Ben Greeley, boiling over
with good humor; Abner Jackson, in love with the good looking table
girl; and Zeke Jackson, the famous horseman, with their California
stories; Joe Tufts with a voice like a Northern Viking, descanting
upon the good “points” of a favorite bull; Steve Seavey with promi¬
nent nasal organ and the queer little hitch in his speech; Will Wood¬
bury, clean cut as a cameo and chuck full of “horse lore;” Sylvanus
Cobb, Jr., with flowing locks, and intellectual face, whose well tuned
voice and deliberately uttered sentences, were in such contrast with
those of his associates; Tim “Anti,” with his queer little chuckling
laugh; mine host, Otis True — a host in himself — all these with a vig¬
orous fringe of wide-awake interested boys as appreciative spectators
made up a famous hotel picture of the olden time.”
He afterwards was landlord of the “Oxford House” in Fryeburg
village which was a noted inn for a number of years. Mr. True died
in Lovell after enjoying in his old age the income from the comfort¬
able fortune he had acquired in the hotel business. He had been
three times married. On account of some disease he had a foot am¬
putated, but survived the operation for several years. He was buried
in Pine Grove cemetery.
Capts. Wm. W. Whitmarsh and Wm. P. Jordan of the 1st, 10th,
and 29th Maine Regiments, in 1866 bought the Elm House property
of Joseph Carpenter who had acquired title from Otis True. Two
years later Whitmarsh bought out Captain Jordan and for some 40
years was the popular landlord of the Elm House. After Captain
Whitmarsh left the business the place had several owners till finally
the property passed into the hands of Frank H. Beck who had the
old hostelry torn down in 1916 to give place for a garage and a new
post office, with tenements and offices in the second story.
William W. Whitmarsh was born at North Norway, May 27, 1835.
His grandfathers, Ebenezer Whitmarsh and Joel Stevens, served in
the War of the Revolution. He was one of the first men in town to
enlist in the War of the Rebellion, served through the contest,
and rose to the rank of Captain. For about a year after the war
closed he was stationed with his command at Darlington, S. C., where
182
HISTORY OF NORWAY
BEAL’S INN
he was Provost Marshal and Agent of the Freedman’s Bureau. He
originated the custom of written contracts between the freedmen and
their former masters, which Gen. Daniel E. Sickles in command of
the department there approved and which became the settled policy
at the Freedmen’s Bureau during reconstruction times. Since being
mustered out of the service, he held many offices of trust and respon¬
sibility — for many years was town clerk and for ten years was a
member of the Board of County Commissioners. But for him it is
pretty safe to say that the county seat would never have been located
at South Paris. When Henry B. Cleaves was elected Governor he
appointed Captain Whitmarsh as a member of his staff with the rank
of Colonel. He was always popular with all classes and a great vote-
getter and was deservedly so both as the landlord of the Elm House
and as a private citizen. He died as Norway’s grand old man in 1920.
In 1830 Mr. Ezra F. Beal opened a public house on the south side
of Main Street in the vicinity of the Tucker harness shop, and three
years later sold to Titus Olcott Brown who had been an inn-keeper
at Gray Corner for some years. His place at Gray Corner was a
famous hostelry in its day. It was the general stopping place for
teams and stage coaches from this section to Portland. Why he
should have given up the business there to come to Norway does not
appear, but probably on account of his son Titus O. Brown, Jr., hav¬
ing established himself in business here at Steep Falls the year before,
and his advancing years. The hotel was run by Mr. Blown with
the assistance of his son-in-law, Amos Purington, for about ten years,
when the property was sold to Anthony Bennett. Mr. Brown died
February 23, 1855, in what in my day was called the Olcott Brown
HISTORY OF NORWAY
183
house at Steep Falls, where his son of the same name lived and died.
Mr. Titus O. Brown was a gentleman of the old school, a very good
citizen, a member of the Congregational Church and a popular land¬
lord. It would have been far better for the village and persons
owning property in the vicinity of the hotel had the business continued
under Mr. Brown’s and Mr. Purington’s management, for there would
in all human probability not have been any such incendiary fire as
occurred in 1851 under Anthony Bennett’s ownership, on account of
an unfortunate arrangement as is believed he had with another, as
elsewhere related. Anthony Bennett was the son of Capt. Anthony
Bennett who settled on the east side of the lake with his twin brother,
about 1791. He was born there in 1801. Besides being an inn-keeper
he had been in trade in various places. He married Sarah Jane,
daughter of Solomon Millett. He died nearly 90 years of age at the
home of his daughter, Mrs. W. A. Field, in Bath.
The present Beal’s Inn is one of the best hotels in New England.
The place was purchased and owned in the early days when the
village was called Rust’s Mills by William Reed who had a store and
post office west of it on Main Street. Here Mr. Reed lived in the
house he had built in 1807 for about 40 years. He was the leading
and most influential citizen of the village for half a century. He
died in Nov., 1848, at the age of 73. The property came into the
possession of Mr. Ezra F. Beal about 1842. During the last year of
his life Mr. Beal made additions to the place and fitted it up for a
first-class modern public house, which was opened July 1, 1871, by
his son, Gen. Geo. L. Beal, as landlord.
No man had done more for Norway than Ezra F. Beal. He was
born here June 17, 1797, and was educated in the public schools of
the place, and for a time in his early manhood taught school success¬
fully, but his father being a millman, he was influenced to put his
whole business energies into the construction of buildings and public
edifices, and in this he became eminently successful. He moved to
Portland in the thirties where he remained some seven years, when
he returned to Norway. Some of the principal buildings erected in
his day, in Portland, such as the United States Hotel, the Falmouth
House, the old Merchant’s Exchange and the old Grand Trunk R. R.
Station were built by him. Mr. Beal was one of the directors of the
Atlantic and St. Lawrence R. R. Company and through his influence
the railroad was built through South Paris village on the west side
of the Little Androscoggin river, which, years later, caused the county
seat to be moved from Paris Hill to South Paris. Ezra Beal had
charge of the construction of most of the railroad stations from Port¬
land to Island Pond, Vt. He was one of the strong pillars of the
Universalist Church, and one of the founders of the Norway Savings
Bank. His townsmen of his day did not appreciate him and what he
had done for the town. That he felt this keenly, there is no doubt.
Later generations will not, however, fail to do his memory justice. He
died Dec. 19, 1871, in the 75th year of his age.
Gen. Geo. L. Beal, who was the first landlord of the Beal’s Hotel,
was born in Norway May 21, 1825. His education was obtained in
the common schools of Norway and at Westbrook Academy. He
184
HISTORY OF NORWAY
learned the bookbinder’s trade at Cambridge, Mass., and began busi¬
ness in his native town with Robert Noyes. He was appointed agent
of the Canadian Express Co., in 1853, and had charge of the business
for Norway till the breaking out of the Civil War, when he raised a
company of which he was commissioned Captain, and went into the
service. He obtained this position from being captain of the Nor¬
way military company. His regiment was in service three months.
On* his discharge he raised another company for the 10th Maine
Regt. and was commissioned Colonel. He was in Gen. Nathaniel P.
Banks’ Retreat down the Shenandoah Valley, and the battles of Cedar
Mountain, Va., and Antietam, Md., and was wounded in the latter
fight but not seriously. The regiment was mustered out in May,
1863, and he with others immediately began the enlistment of men
for the 29th Maine Regt. which participated in Gen. Nath’l P. Banks’
Red River, La., and Gen. Philip H. Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley,
Va., campaigns. Colonel Beal participated in the battles of Sabine
Cross Roads and Pleasant Hill, La., and the second Winchester, Va.,
or the Opequan, and was promoted Brig.-General. After the
war, he had charge of the District in South Carolina with head¬
quarters at Darlington till January, 1866, when he was mustered out
of the service with the rank of Maj. -General by brevet. General Beal
liked military life and he should have entered the regular army and
been retired on half pay at the age fixed by law. Just why he did not
the writer has never ascertained. He had a wife and two daughters
in Maine, and the general feeling among officers and men then was
one of great joy at the collapse of the Rebellion, and the overpowering
impulse to get back to their homes.
General Beal in 1868 was a delegate to the Republican National
Convention at Chicago that nominated Gen. U. S. Grant for President,
and was an elector on the ticket that year. In 1871 he became land¬
lord of the Beal’s Hotel. He could not have had at that time an
adequate conception of the possibilities before him. We now know
that he might have been Governor of the State and a Member of
Congress. All that was lacking was the ambition to obtain these
positions and the disposition to make the contest at the right time.
In his school days he had neglected to practice the art of public
speaking — perhaps from not having any taste for it at all events
had he acquired the habit of thinking on his feet before a congrega¬
tion of people, and a fluent command of language, there would have
been little limit to what he might have attained. But he was not to
remain for long as the landlord of the Beal s Hotel. He was
appointed U. S. Pension Agent at Portland, which office he held four
years; chosen Adjutant-General of the State for five years; first De¬
partment Commander of the Grand Army ; State Treasurer and Com¬
missioner of the State Treasury for seven years. He died Dec. 11,
1896. His wife died Feb. 25, 1898.
The Beal’s Hotel since General Beal ceased to be its landlord in
1872 has had many proprietors.
John A. Woodman is one of the most popular landlords who ever
kept a public house in the town of Norway. He came from New
Hampshire stock. His father was Richard A. Woodman; his mother
HISTORY OF NORWAY
185
Sarah A. Channell of Bolton, P. Q. Mr. Woodman was born Dec. 7,
1846. He married in 1881 Miss Elizabeth M. Guptill of Fryeburg.
He lived in Norway for three years from 1882 to 1886. In 1887 he
began business as an innkeeper at Manchester, N. H., where he lived
for ten years. Bought the Beal’s Hotel in 1897 of which he was land¬
lord for 13 years. He built two cottages on the lake shore which he
sold. He built the Rex Theatre on Cottage street in 1913. That
he also sold. He later retired from business with an ample com¬
petence for himself and wife, who is also a very capable business
manager.
Mr. Robert F. Seavey is the present owner of this public house
which he renamed “The Beal’s Inn.” He came here from Peterboro,
N. H. Under his management it is noted among the knights of the
road as one of the best kept public houses in Maine. Mr. Seavey is
a very popular landlord.
186
HISTORY OF NORWAY
LEFT TO RIGHT]; EUGENE A. DESCOTEAU, WM. A. LEWIS, JOHN P. JUDKINS, PAUL F. HOSMER, EFF1E I. AKER S, FRANK E. DECOSTER (P. M.)
FRED H. PERRY .^PHILIP F. STONE
HISTORY OF NORWAY
187
CHAPTER XXXI.
Postal Matters.
The first post office in Norway was established about 1800 and
William Reed was appointed postmaster. He held the office till 1841,
and was a faithful and efficient official, as his long1 term as postmaster
under different political adminstrations attest.
The first mail carrier or post rider, was Jacob Howe, a Revolu¬
tionary Soldier. His route at first extended from Norway and Paris
through Waterford, Bridgton and Gorham to Portland. He rode on
horseback, and announced his arrival at the post offices and taverns
on the route by blowing a horn. Jacob Howe was succeeded by Seba
Smith of Buckfield, who removed from there to Bridgton. The third
post rider in this section was Joshua Pool, a Soldier of the Revolution,
who settled on the Lee’s Grant and afterwards removed to Greenwood.
In those days the principal newspapers were the Portland Gazette
and the Eastern Argus, printed in Portland. The former was an
organ of the Federal party, and the latter of the Republican party
in the District of Maine.
Years afterwards a postal route was established from Paris Hill,
through Norway, Welchville, Poland Corner, New Gloucester and
Gray Corner to Portland. Groresnor G. Waterhouse ran stage
coaches over this line many years. He, Addison A. Latham and Orin
Hobbs, who were in his employ, became famous as stage drivers.
They were afterwards conductors on the railroad through this section.
Then for many years, Norway obtained its mail at the railroad sta¬
tion and Wm. W. D. S. Millett, familiarly known as “Bill” Millett,
brought it on his stage coach to the post office. He delivered the out¬
going mail at the same place. He was always on time and never
missed a single train. For the period of his stage coach driving (till
the Norway Branch R. R. was built, a period of some 30 years) he
was the best known man in Norway.
About 1820 a company of individuals established a stage route
from Norway through Bethel to Shelburne, N. H., and ultimately to
Lancaster, the county seat of Coos County. Anthony Bennett, Jr.,
drove on this route for many years. He was one of the company,
and was possessed of such business capacity that the enterprise paid
and was finally sold without loss. He was not so popular as Orin
Hobbs, who got his first experience as a stage driver on this line run
by Bennett.
A postal route was early established between Fryeburg through
Waterford, Norway, Paris Hill, Buckfield, North Turner and Kent’s
Hill to Augusta. The most famous stage driver on this line was
John F. Rice of North Waterford. He died at the age of 83, in
1908. George J. Ordway succeeded William Reed as postmaster in
Norway Village in 1841. He was a Whig. Mr. Ordway proved to be
one of the most popular and efficient officials in the postal service.
Norway has had some very good postmasters and some very poor
ones selected for political and charitable reasons. The government is
best appreciated through its mail service, and the most capable,
188
HISTORY OF NORWAY
efficient and pleasant dispositioned persons should always be selected
for the important positions of postmasters and mailcarriers.
An office was established at Fuller’s Corner, now North Norway,
in 1823 and Jonathan Swift, a trader there at that period, was ap¬
pointed postmaster. His successors were generally storekeepers.
The office was discontinued many years ago.
An office was located at Norway Lake village in March, 1881, and
James L. Partridge, who was then in trade there, was appointed
postmaster. The office is in operation there at the present time.
The farming people are well served by two rural delivery mail-
carriers in the persons of John P. Judkins and Fred H. Perry. The
letter carriers in the village are (1922) : William A. Lewis, Eugene
Descoteau and Paul Hosmer.
The following are the village postmasters since the office was
established :
Wm. Reed, appt’d April 1, 1801 G. J. Ordway, appt’d July 13, 1841
A. Thayer, Jr., appt’d May 24, 1845 Elliott Smith, appt’d Apr. 3, 1849
C. P. Kimball, appt’d Mar. 20, 1853 Robert Noyes, appt’d Dec. 14, 1853
D. F. Noyes, appt’d Mar. 25, 1857 H. W. Millett, appt’d June 26, 1861
Dr. J. Howe, appt’d Feb. 8, 1869 H. M. Bearce, appt’d Mar. 15, 1869
A. J. Nevers, appt’d Dec. 20, 1881 Ai J. Rowe, appt’d March 2, 1886
L. 1. Bartlett, appt’d 1890 Ai J. Rowe, appt’d 1894
Moses P. Stiles, appt’d 1898 Charles S. Akers, appt’d 1906
Frank E. Decoster, appt’d 1914 Philip F. Stone, appt’d 1923
The most efficient and popular postmistresses and clerks the
author has known are: Izah T. Howe, Emily McWaine, Abb E.
Gibson, Helen S. Swan and Effie I. Akers.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
189
CHAPTER XXXII.
Annals from 1875 to 1901.
1876
John A. Bolster was elected representative to the Legislature.- —
The town debt, as given in the report of the selectmen, was
$13,622.63. — The Norway Reform Club celebrated with appropriate
exercises, the first anniversary of its organization, on the evening of
April 27th. — The Congregational church in the village was destroyed
by fire in the winter. A new church was built during the summer
and autumn. — The tent caterpillar made its appearance in June.
Thousands of acres of forest trees were stripped of their foliage. —
The first steamer on the lake, built by Elias Woodsum, was put into
the water in July. — Wm. E. Goodenow died in Manhattan, Kan.,
July 19.
1877
An epidemic of diphtheria raged at North Norway in the winter,
and there were several fatal cases among the children. — Ice went out
of the lake April 22d, three weeks earlier than the preceding year. —
Rev. J. A. Seitz became pastor of the Universalist Church Society
early in the year, and Rev. Edward E. Bacon of the Congregational
Society.- — Henry Howe committed suicide in April and Otis Bosworth
in May. George C. Winslow died suddenly Oct. 9th, as did also,
Oct. 29th, Mr. Wm. W. Berry, an old gentleman. Geo. L. Farnum, a
promising young attorney and a Civil War soldier, died June 19th.
1878
Capt. Wm. W. Whitmarsh was elected town clerk. — The dwelling
houses of Henry Hobbs and Ephraim S. Crockett were burned. —
The Colorado potato bug first made its appearance here this year. —
Mr. Sumner Burnham died from apoplexy, June 19th.— A. Oscar
Noyes, one of the most popular men in town, died Oct. — 13th. — The
first snow fall of the season Nov. 5th. — The first issue of the New
Religion, edited by Rev. J. A. Seitz, appeared the last week in
November.
1879
Five thousand dollars were appropriated to purchase stock in the
Norway Branch Railroad. — Specie payments having been resumed by
the U. S. Government, the shoe factory employees were paid off in gold
and other coin the first week in January. — A street sprinkler was first
used in the village, during the summer. — In September a reunion of
the 1st, 10th, and 29th Maine Regts. in the Civil War, was held
here. — The building of the Branch Railroad began in May, and the
first train was run over the road in October. — Mr. Micah Upton died
May 7th, in his 98th year, and Mrs. Sarah G. Hobbs, Nov. 16th, at
nearly 90 years of age.
1880
Simeon Drake resumed the publication of the Norway Advertiser
in January. — The first regular passenger train between Norway and
190
HISTORY OF NORWAY
South Paris was run over the road, Jan. 3rd. — The Methodist
church was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies, Feb. 9th. — Mr.
Amos French was attacked in Waterford by roustabouts and robbed
of $80, Oct. 16th. — Mr. Ivers L. Witherell removed to Lynn, Mass.
No one who has ever been connected with the shoe factory, was more
respected by the people of Norway. Its little park near there, was
named for him. — The Norway Light Infantry was ordered to Augusta
in January on account of the “Count out.”— On the night of Dec. 20th,
a fire burned the hardware store, formerly the old woolen mill, Hath¬
away Block and other buildings in the vicinity. The plant of the
New Religion was also destroyed. — Wm. W. D. S. Millett, the popular
stage driver, died Dec. 19th. He was born in 1812. Mighill Mason
died Nov. 5th, at 60.
1881
Rev. W. W. Hooper became pastor of the Universalist Society in
January. — Thomas H. Richardson’s dwelling house and several other
buildings were destroyed by fire, March 15th. — A new valuation of
the property in town was taken, and the town lines irtspected. A
scare arose over the condition of the dam at the head of the village,
and some repairs were made to make it more safe. — The building of
a new Hathaway block was begun during the year.
1882
Harry Rust Post G. A. R. was organized in the village in March.
Henry M. Bearce was its first Commander. — Alvah Black, born in
December, 1817, who, with Mr. C. E. Holt was practicing law here,
died at his home on Paris Hill in January, and Wm. Frost, 3rd
President of the National Bank, in April, aged 70. — The voting list
had 700 names, this year. The postmaster’s salary was increased to
$1200 per annum.
1883
Mr. Fred W. Sanborn from New Hampshire, bought the Norway
Advertiser plant, and began the publication of the paper in Janu¬
ary. — The number of taxable polls was 686, a gain from last year of
53. — The tannery pay roll for the month of May was nearly $4000. —
A lodge of Good Templars was organized here in June. — Rev. W. W.
Hooper, having accepted a call from the Universalist Society at
Mechanic Falls, closed his labors here in September. — Henry M.
Bearce was elected representative to the Legislature.
1884
At the annual meeting, $700 was appropriated for writing the his¬
tory of the town, to be printed ready for distribution Centennial year
(1886). Gen. George L. Beal, Marcus F. Brooks and Henry Upton,
were chosen as a committee to superintend the work of writing and
printing it. Capt. Wm. W. Whitmarsh was elected representative
to the Legislature and Henry M. Bearce, senator.
1885
The Norway Municipal Court was chartered at the winter session
of the legislature, and Charles F. Whitman was appointed Judge
HISTORY OF NORWAY
191
by the Governor. — The Norway Water Company was chartered and
the contract for laying- the pipes from the lake into the village was
let and the work begun early in the autumn. A gang of Italians did
the digging. — The farm buildings of Dr. C. A. Stephens on Upton
Ridge were burned in August. — Deaths: Silas Shedd, May 2d, the
oldest person in town (about 90) — four generations of his descend¬
ants attended the funeral; Rodolphus Young, July 16th, 55, Mrs.
Aurelia Pierce, Aug. 11, at 68, Israel D. Millett, Aug. 23rd, 60, Mrs.
Margery F. (Bray) Brooks, Aug. 31, at 67, Dorothy S. (Reed) Mil¬
lett at Portland, 79, and on same day, John S. Shedd at 87.
1886
1 he water works were completed in the summer. — Charles G.
Mason was elected town clerk at the annual meeting. — The 17th
Maine Regt. had its reunion here Aug. 18th. — Sept. 8th, the Centenniel
Celebration was held. Arthur E. Denison of Boston presided at the
exercises in Ordway Grove. The ode, sung to the tune “America,”
was composed by Mrs. Elliott Smith. The poem of welcome was by
Miss Annie F. Hayden, a great granddaughter of Samuel Ames.
The oration was delivered by Judge Wm. Wirt Virgin. Dr. Clifford
Pike read his poem entitled “Our Honored Men,” and C. F. Whitman,
an “Historical Essay.” Gov. Frederick Robie and others spoke
briefly on various subjects. The streets, public buildings and prin¬
cipal residences were splendidly decorated, and the procession,
consisting of the military company, members of the G. A. R. Post,
secret orders, fire company, floats representing business interests,
historical incidents, etc., citizens in carriages, and school children,
was a mile and a half long, and was the finest and best ever seen in
Norway village. — The Centennial History of the town, by Dr. Wm. B.
Lapham of Augusta, which was printed and issued to subscribers,
gave great satisfaction to the people.
1887
Ag-ed people living in town this year: Susan Woodbridge 96, Wil¬
liam Young 92, Olive Mills 91, Fannie Millner 89, Simon Stevens
89, Nathan Millett 87, Lucy Frost 86, Mary Noble 84, Luther F. Pike
83, Fanny O. G. Hobbs 83, James Bennett 82, Lavinia Barton Smith
82, Jacob W. Herrick 82, Lucy Herrick 80, Seba Gammon 80, Albert
Sanborn, and William Cox, each nearly 80. — A sad drowning accident
occurred on Moose Pond, Otisfield, Oct. 6. Three Norway young men,
John O. Hatch aged 18, Mark Lamrock aged 17, and Charles Judkins
about the same age, were fishing for pickerel in a canvas boat; seeing
a duck they all rose in the boat and fired at it. This overturned the
boat and threw them into the water. Judkins managed to swim
ashore, the other two were drowned. Young Hatch was a sergeant
in the military company. — Fred H. Stevens and family moved, in
November, to Athol, N. H. — Mr. Frank T. True, town treasurer, re¬
signed in October and went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he has
since resided. (He died there in March, 1922.) — Henry Robie and
family settled at Omaha, Neb., the same year. — Ellison Gary com¬
mitted suicide at Mrs. Alice Rolfe’s, Nov. 2, aged about 40. —
Number of snow storms to March 1 was 31. First storm Nov. 13th
192
HISTORY OF NORWAY
and the total fall of snow was 8 feet 8 inches. — Streets of the village
lighted by electricity. — The Municipal Court provided during the win¬
ter and spring the principal boarders for Jailer James L. Parker on
Paris Hill — its civil cases as published in the local paper were numer¬
ous, showing the court’s popularity among the attorneys. Its juris¬
diction was enlarged by act of the Legislature this year. — School
agents: No. 1 Orin Brown, No. 2 E. A. Cox, No. 3 Thomas Knightly,
No. 4 Frank P. Towne, No. 5 J. L. Partridge, No. 6 Frank T. Pike,
No. 7 C. F. Whitman, No. 8 I. V. Penley, No. 9 Alvin Frost, No 10
N. W. Millett, No. 11 E. L. Bennett, No. 12 Jonathan Herrick, No. 13
Weston Frost, No. 14 W. S. Pierce, No. 15 William Gary. — Elias H.
Woodsum commenced to run regular trips on the lake with his steam¬
boat, “Fleeta.”— Oxford Bear Association of Portland visited Norway
in June. Some 300 partook of dinner at the Beal’s Hotel. In the
after dinner speeches H. I. Kimball of Atlanta, Ga., claimed that the
Oxford Bear Engine Co. of Norway Village, organized in the fifties,
was the original Oxford Bear Association. The visitors carried a
stuffed bear with them. — The contract for the Masonic Building on
Cottage street, let in August to Horace Pike for $4560. — Wm. M.
Brooks, born in 1827, completed his 60th school year. He began
teaching when 17. — Frank Q. Elliott sold out his ready-made cloth¬
ing business in January to Perry W. Judkins. Capt. Jonathan
Blake and Albert P. Bassett appointed deputy sheriffs. — Francis
H. Whitman sold his Summit Spring property in Harrison in Janu¬
ary, to a Portland stock company for $28,000. — Efforts were made
in January to obtain sufficient subscribers for the Boston Sunday
papers, to be delivered on the day of publication. — C. H. Witt had a
log structure on his farm on the Millett neighborhood road built by his
grandfather, the first Benj. Witt, the blacksmith. — The number of
storms during January was unprecedented. — The list of voters num¬
bered over 800. — Oxford Co. Loan Ass’n organized with S. D. An¬
drews, W. H. Whitcomb, H. M. Bearce, H. D. Smith and S. B. Locke
as stockholders.— Dr. Harry Jones, “15 years old,” made his first set
of artificial teeth. They were for Henry Russell of Lovell and fitted
finely. He also pulled out the old teeth necessary and took all the
impressions himself. — E. F. Smith admitted to practice law at the
February term of the Supreme Court and opened an office in
the Grange building. — At the annual town meeting it was voted for
the selectmen to appoint a liquor agent. At a subsequent meeting
this vote was rescinded. — Clerk of Courts’ salary fixed at $1000 per
annum instead of fees. — Among the deaths were Thomas G. Brooks,
Jan. 18, 74 yrs. 4 mos. and 11 days; in Durham, Jan. 19, Wm. B.
Bennett, 76, and his wife, Mary G. Bennett, aged 62; Amos T.
Holt, Jan. 2, from injuries received from fall in his barn near Nor¬
way Center, 27; William Knight, March 17, nearly 71 (born on Moses
Parsons’ place, May 9, 1816); Alice S. (Burnham) Fuller; Frank
H. Hale, May 27, 52; he was a soldier in the War of the Rebellion;
Hiram H. Hathaway, June 3, 64; Mary (Witt) Brown, May 31, 40;
Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., the author, at Hyde Park, Mass., July 20, 64;
Mrs. Henry Blake, who was living then at Mrs. Edwin A. Morse’s
near Crockett Ridge, died Oct. 1, at 88; Oct. 29, Ceylon Watson, 61
yrs. 5 mos.; Cyprian Hobbs, Nov. 8, 83; Lizzie Shackley, Nov. 21,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
193
38; Belle L. Reed, Nov. 28, 34; John Oxnard at Portland, Dec. 11,
92; Walter S. Abbott, Dec. 23, 43; Dr. Calvin E. Evans, Dec. 30, 48.
1888
The County Commissioners discontinued the road over the Millett
hill to the highway from Norway Lake village to Harrison. E. G.
and E. Wallace of Rochester, N. H., bought the Norway Electric Light
plant with the water privilege and the old pulp mill at Steep Falls.
The price paid was said to be $16,000. — Dr. B. F. Bradbury purchased
the Lucius Denison stand in June. — Freeland Howe built a cottage on
the lake in June, which was named Cedar Lodge. — The Hiram Hatha¬
way buildings on the farm west of the lake village were burned on
the night of July 23. — The “buffalo bug” made its first appearance in
the village this summer. It was not the pest it was feared it would
be for it disappeared in a few seasons. — The Beal’s Hotel was sold
in November to an association called the “Beal’s Hotel Association.” —
The selectmen appointed a liqour agent this year. — Perry W. Judkins
sold his interest in the ready-made clothing business in December to
his partner, Frank H. Noyes, and went to California and settled at
Fresno. — The Atkinson Furnishing Co. established a branch store in
the village. — Gen. Geo. L. Beal chosen State Treasurer this year.—
Capt. Jonathan Blake had a clock which had kept good time for 48
years, during his married life. Anthony Bennett, then living in Bath,
had one which he claimed had kept good time for 74 years.— Mrs.
Charlotte B. McKeene, aged 80, a professional nurse, had assisted at
the birth of 336 infants. — E. W. Howe and C. F. Ridlon formed a
partnership for carrying on the grocery business, in January. Mr.
Ridlon had been clerk in Mr. Howe’s store for many years. — Feb. 18,
marriage of Miss Estelle A. Crooker and Frank E. Bell of Norway. —
Deaths: Rev. Dr. John March Mitchell died in Portland, April' 18,
68. He was born in Norway, Oct. 2, 1820. In early youth he moved
with his father’s family to North Yarmouth, where they formerly
lived. He graduated at Bowdoin in 1843, and went South to teach.
Entering the ministry, he was ordained as rector of the Episcopal
Church society in Montgomery, Ala., and Savannah, Ga. The degree
D. D. was conferred upon him by William and Mary College of Vir¬
ginia. After the war he traveled in Europe with his second wife,
Mattie, daughter of Judge Christian of Virginia, and in 1867 settled
in Portland. His first wife was Susan E. Cobb of Alabama, daughter
of Bishop Cobb, whom he married in 1851. He had one son, Elliott C.
Mitchell, by second wife. — Mrs. Lydia Young, mother of Rodolphus
Young, died at St. Johnsbury, Vt., Jan. 20, at 96. — Mrs. Dorothy S.
Parsons at Geneseo, Ill., Jan. 18, 89. She was the widow of Gen.
Wm. Parsons. — Melvin Elon Howe, Feb. 15, killed on B. & O. R. R.
in West Va., 43; Robert Noyes, Mardh 14, 77; Mrs. Susan Wood-
bridge, March 16, 97 nearly; she was the daughter of Nathaniel
Stevens — the early settler. Her daughter, Rebecca C., died the same
day in her 55th year. — The remains of Mrs. Lydia (Prince) Young,
second wife of Daniel Young the first hatter in Norway Village, were
brought to Norway from St. Johnsbury, Vt., and buried in Rustfield
cemetery beside her husband. She had died at the great age of 95.
He had died in 1846; Wm. Young, June 9, 93, the oldest man in town;
194
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Mrs. Marcellus Whitcomb, July 1, 51; Ella (Haskell) Cummings, July
9, 28; Anthony Bennett, Aug. 13, at Bath, 87; remains interred in
Rustfield Cemetery; Isaac Hicks, Aug. 19, “aged about 72;” Mrs. Elva
Chase, Sept. 6, 76; David R. Holden, Sept. 25, nearly 79; Daniel Ben¬
nett, Nov. 10, 73; Mrs. Fanny O. G. Hobbs, Dec. 14, 84; Mrs. Anne L.,
wife of Morrill N. Packard, Esq., at Baltimore, Md., Dec. 3, “aged 29.”
1889
No snow for sleighing till into January. — At the district school
meeting, C. F. Whitman was re-elected school agent. For the first
time in the history of the district there was money enough to pay all
the indebtedness and the expenses for running the spring term of the
village schools. — The ice went out of the lake April 16. — Henry A.
Bickford in April bought a place at East Stoneham and moved his
family there. — Robert N. Millett, while playing ball, a member of the
senior class at Hebron Academy, broke his leg. It did not prevent
his graduation and entering Colby. — Dr. E. J. Noyes located in Lovell
for the practice of his profession. — Exercises in commemoration of
the 100th Anniversary of Washington’s inauguration as President
were held in the village schools. — C. F. Whitman was this year re¬
appointed Judge of the Norway Municipal Court. — F. Q. Elliott pur¬
chased the Aaron Thurlow place on Crescent St. — G. G. Cordwell of
Greenwood gave up driving the stage from Norway to Greenwood
City. He had been in service 25 years. — Milan Bennett of Gilead
bought of A. S. Bean, the original Joseph Stevens place at the corner
of the Waterford and Greenwood roads. His son-in-law, C. F. Boober,
came with him. — The lake carnival in August was a grand affair. —
Frank Kimball and Albert H. Willianlson bought out the Noyes Drug
Store business of Mrs. Anna Noyes. — Baptist church on Cottage street
built this year. — Arthur F. French died at Denver, Colorado, Oct. 11,
at the age of 29. He went West about three years before, for his
health. He tried Colorado Springs, Colorado, and California, but
did not improve. He started for home with his brother, Eugene O.,
but got no farther than Denver, where he passed away. His remains
were brought to Norway for burial. He was one of the finest young
men ever born in Norway. — Deaths: Jan. 5, Abner B. Chase, 69; Jan.
15, Nellie May Devine, 16 years 6 mos.; Jan. 16, Mrs. Mary Noble,
86; Jan. 27, Ada V. (Haskell) Smith, 30 years 8 mos.; Jan. 29, Benj.
Huntington, 68; Feb. 17, Pleamon Holt, 77; March 16, Miss Mattie F.
Brooks, “42 years 4 mos.;” Apr. 3, Samuel L. Crockett, 35 years 5
mos.; Mar. 28, Jacob Herrick, 83; April 6, Seba Gammon, 82 years
2 mos.; same day, Enoch Merrill, 82; Mrs. Frances M., wife of B. C.
A. Pingree, Sept. 8, 59; Sept. 13, Mrs. Alice Small, 80 years 3 mos.;
Mrs. Lucy Frost, Oct. 3, 88; Adelphia Hawkins, Nov. 23, 76; Mrs.
Elbridge G. Gammon, Dec. 2, 46; Mrs. Mary J. Frost, 63; April 4,
Mrs. Alanson M. Dunham, 69 years 7 mos.; June 18, James Bennett,
84; June 16, Mrs. Christina Burnham; June 23, Mrs. Charlotte B. Mc-
Keen, 81 years 6 mos.; June 22, Mrs. Chloe Stevens, 80; June 21,
Mrs. Nancy Frost; July 4, Charles E. Newhall, a soldier of the Civil
War in Mass. Batt’y., 52; Rowena Andrews Pike, July 29, 38 years;
July 30, Mrs. Sarah H. Lovering, 83 years 8 mos.; Aug. 5, Eugene L.
Bennett, 42; Aug. 4, Marcellus Whitcomb, about 50.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
195
1890
At the Republican caucus to indicate their preference for postmas¬
ter, the patrons of the village post office voted as follows :
L. I. Bartlett 77, F. H. Noyes 36, A. J. Nevers 36, W. W. Whit-
marsh 1. Mr. Bartlett received the appointment and began his duties
March 10th. — The “grip” raged extensively during the winter. — A
mineral spring discovered on the David Frost farm in the southwest¬
ern part of the town. — Feb. 28th, George P. Young, aged 41 years, was
accidentally shot, in the stable office at the farm of his wife on
Crockett Ridge. He was an employee as foreman in the cutting room
of the shoe factory of B. F. Spinney & Co. He lived but a few hours
afterwards. — L. D. Randall sold his farm on Crooked River to Col. C.
S. Edwards. This made a tract of principally pine land of from 900
to 1000 acres that Colonel Edwards owned in that section. — D. W.
Beal was appointed as the census enumerator for the village, and J.
A. Roberts for the other part of the town. — Capt. Wm. W. Whitmarsh
was renominated for County Commissioner in the Republican county
convention by one majority. He was elected in September.— Herbert
R. Denison and Miss Cora M. Dawes were united in marriage at her
father’s residence in Harrison, June 25. — The Crockett Bridge re¬
constructed and put in shape to allow Edmund Ames’ big steamer to
go under it, in July. He took the first load of passengers to Gibson’s
Grove. — Teachers’ vacation school held in Norway in August. — Miss
Cora B. Shedd began teaching in the village schools.— James L. Par¬
ker of East Stoneham elected High Sheriff. He removed to Norway
with headquarters at the Elm House.- — Burglars on the night of Oct.
18, broke into the ready-made clothing store and S. Norman Buck’s
grocery store. On an alarm being given, Albert P. Bassett, state de¬
tective, promptly went to apprehend the malefactors. He fired at
some of them, trying to escape by way of Deering St. and hit one.
One of the thieves on watch at the door of the store fired at the offi¬
cer and hit him in the arm. Owing to the darkness the burglars
escaped. They got but little booty. The town offered $500 as a re¬
ward for their detection and punishment. — Verne M. Whitman and
Freeland Howe, Jr., entered Colby in the autumn. Both took good
rank in their studies. The foi’mer became a famous baseball pitcher
while in college.- — Deaths: Zachariah Weston, Jan. 21, 84 years 9
mos. ; Jan. 31, Widow Mary A. Buck, 66; Feb. 10, Mr. Edwin W.
Howe, 65; he had been the longest in trade of any one in the village;
Feb. 6, Mrs. Lois D. Small, 56 years 7 mos.; Lydia Swift in March,
one of the oldest persons in town. In her younger days she had been
a school teacher for 25 years. March 23, Dea. Nathan Millett, 89 years
6 mos.; May 26, David F. Flint, 56; June 18, in Boston, Aurelius C.
Noble, formerly of Norway, 59; June 28, Mrs. Fanny Millner, about
90; July 10, Charles Walker, about 50; Warren Noyes, a native of
Norway, died July 12 at Gorham, N. H., at 70; he had been in the em¬
ploy of the Grand Trunk R. R. Co. many years; Stephen Seavey, an
old time stage driver, died July 30, about 67; July 27, Henry H.
Hobbs, a school teacher of former days, about 70; Mrs. Sarah Angell,
mother of Rev. Caroline E. Angell, Aug. 3, 82; her remains were
taken to Smith ville, R. I., for interment; Aug. 8, Mrs. Hannah (Fos¬
ter) Frost, 77 years, 6 mos. (widow of Charles Frost) j Sept. 5, Mrs.
196
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Sarah Bennett, 75; Sept. 30, Jacob F. Holt, 72; November 6 at Kent’s
Hill, W. D. Earle, formerly of Norway, 64 years, 9 mos.; Dec. 5, Ed¬
win A. Morse, one of the substantial citizens of the town, 71 years;
Dec. 16, Mrs. Lucretia Buck, 54; Dec. 20, Mrs. Angelia M. Clark, 51
years 5 mos.; Dec. 26, at New Haven, Conn., Mrs. Elliott Smith, 85,
her remains were brought to Norway for burial.
1891
Maurice H. Small, principal of the high school, began the agitation
here of three propositions to be laid before the Legislature. 1. The
town system. 2. A State Board of Education. 3. Union of two oi
more towns for securing a superintendent of schools. — An Ecclesiasti¬
cal Council composed of several Baptist clergymen, among whom were
Rev. B. L. Whitman of Portland, afterwards President of Colby Col¬
lege at Waterville, and Rev. H. S. Burrage, D.D., later State His¬
torian, convened at the Baptist Church in January to advise on cer¬
tain troubles which for some time had disturbed the society here. The
Council sustained the action of the society, and the report was ac¬
cepted, and the disturbance quieted. — Of the 60 criminal cases in the
Municipal Court up to October 20, only 17 were against Norway par¬
ties. There were about half as many liquor seizures, only one-third
of which were made here. — The taxable value of the stock of the Nor¬
way Water Company as fixed by the County Commissioners, on appeal
for an abatement of taxes, was $12,000 — $10 a share instead of $15
a share as assessed by the selectmen. — Deaths: Jan. 2, Mrs. Uriah H.
Upton, 67; Henry D. Twombly, Jan. 1, 77 years 9 mos.; Jan. 15, Mrs.
Mary K. Frost; Jan. 30, Merrill J. Rowe, 71 years 4 mos.; March 7,
Mrs. L. B. Weeks, 59; March 9, Newall A. Trafton, 47; Hon.
Charles P. Kimball, at New York, 66; March 27, Mr. Simon Stevens,
92 years 7 mos.; March 28, Lizzie N. Stevens, 65 years 7 mos.; April
7, Mrs. Bethany Hayes at Cambridgeport, Mass., 79; at Portland,
Oregon, March 30, N. P. Hall, 46; April 22, Jacob Parsons, 84; April
26, Mrs. Harriet Richards, 73 years 8 mos.; — April 28 at Manches¬
ter, N. H., Isaac W. Merrill, nearly 48; April 15, Nathan A. Foster,
57 years 6 mos.; May 7, Mrs. Chloe Lord, 68 years 3 mos.; June
1, Mrs. William Hall, 75 years; Aug. 11, Mrs. Edward H. Morse, about
69 years; Aug. 23, Wilson Hill, 80 years 5 mos.; Aug. 22, Mrs. James
H. Merrill, 82 years 7 mos.; Sept. 7, Mrs. Samuel Hale (Mary B.),
79 years 6 mos.; Sept. 25, Benj. M. Royal, 62; Oct. 19, Mrs. Jerusha
Rich, 84; Nov. 21, James H. Merrill, 83 years 7 mos.; Nov. 29, Simeon
O. Tracy, 72 years 8 mos.; Dec. 3, Charles C. Sanborn, 59; Dec. 17,
Mrs. Roxana B. Pingree, 56; Dec. 26, James C. Bennett, 71 years.
1892
March 2, while chopping wood with his brother, Herbert Rich, for
C. B. Cummings & Sons, near the railroad on Alpine street,, was
fatally hurt by having a tree fall upon him. He lived but a few
hours after the accident. He was about 35 years old and left a wife
and two young children. — George Sylvester, while sawing shingles
for C. B. Cummings & Co., April 13, got caught in the shafting and
was killed. He, too, was about 35 years old and left a wife, two chil¬
dren and a step-daughter. — From Jan. 1 to April 20, there were 27
HISTORY OF NORWAY
197
deaths in town: 15 males and 12 females; the oldest was 86, and the
youngest 4; ten were upwards of 70; four died from old age and
twelve from the effects of the grip. — The lake carnival in August was
a notable event of the year. — Eugene F. Smith elected County Attor¬
ney this year, and was appointed to fill the vacancy till Jan. 1, caused
by the removal to Bridgton of Edward C. Walker, of Lovell, then
county attorney. — F. Q. Elliott sold his interest in the ready-made
clothing business to Henry Foster and permanently retired. — It was
finally decided in the courts that the Richardson Hollow road loca¬
tion should stand, and the road built. — Deaths: Jan. 11, Mrs. Amer¬
ica Bisbee, 70; Jan. 19, Mrs. Thomas Austin, 87; same day, Charles
Green, 68; Jan. 16, Mrs. Charles Green, aged about 60; Jan. 20, Lit¬
tleton Holden, 70; Jan. 18, Moses Parsons, about 80; Jan. 19, L. B.
Holden, aged 64; Mrs. Mary E. Kneeland, Feb. 2, 68 years 5 mos. ;
Feb. 4, Simon S. Billings, 55 years 5 mos.; Jan. 30, Lizzie C. Smith,
wife of James Smith, 53 years 5 mos.; Feb. 7, Zebulon Rowe, 78; Feb.
25, William Hall, 78 years 7 mos.; Feb. 25, David P. Brooks, about
55; March 17, Mr. Samuel Favor, 76; March 22, widow of John F.
Fitz; May 15, Mrs. Sophronia Merrill, 87; June 10 at Gorham, N. H.,
Enoch L. Knight, formerly of Norway, 77 years 8 mos.; July 21,
Capt. Wm. M. Green, 73; Sept. 5, Henry Upton, about 80; Sept. 26,
Mrs. Harriet (Rust) Millett, widow of Maj. Henry W. Millett, about
93; Oct. 1, David Frost, about 83 years; Oct. 6, John Hill, 79; Oct.
26, Mrs. Esther H. Reed, about 75; Oct. 27, Mrs. W. S. Pingree, 61;
Oct. 24, Perley French, 77; Nov. 26, Mrs. Clarissa Knapp, about 80;
Mrs. Mary Favor, Dec. 25, 73.
1893
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sanborn in January observed the 59th
anniversary of their marriage at their residence at Steep Falls. Mr.
Sanborn was 85 years old and his wife 78. — A movement was begun
this year by Norway and South Paris parties to remove the county
seat from Paris Hill to South Paris. The matter of removal and to
issue bonds not to exceed $30,000 was submitted as two parts of one
proposition to the voters of the county at the annual March town
meeting. The people decided by a majority of 150 to build new build¬
ings at South Paris and issue bonds of $30,000. The matter was taken
to the courts on questions of law. — James Smith opened a shoe store in
the W. S. Abbott building in May and moved to the village. — The
water in the lake May 17, was the highest known for 10 years. —
Twelve hundred dollars were appropriated to build the Richardson
Hollow road. — George E. Blake, aged 14, who was visiting his grand¬
father, Capt. Jonathan Blake, while hunting with Willie Harriman
was accidentally shot in the leg by his companion. He lived about two
hours. — Deaths: Jan. 15, Hannah F. Brown of Portland, 81; Feb. 18,
Mrs. Jemima Kimball, about 74; March 3, Asa D. True from apoplexy,
about 36; Mar. 17, Mrs. Abby R. Bonney, 75; at Waterville College,
Frances H., daughter of Henry W. Bearce, 18 years; Mar. 25, Mrs.
Sarah Crockett, 75; April 11, Mrs. Eliza Ann Foss, aged about 63;
April 13, Mrs. Julia A. Gammon, aged about 67; April 29, Mr. Charles
198
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Pike, about 66; May 9, Mr. Charles Henry Haskell, 66; May 16, Rob¬
ert Bangs, 69; June 4, John R. Sanborn, 57 years 6 months, suicide;
June 5, Emma C. Thurlow, 63; in Brockton, Mass., June 6, Thomas
Poole, 83 years 3 months; July 1, Mrs. Thomas Poole, 77 years 10
months. They were born in Norway but had lived in Massachusetts
for 40 years. Mr. Poole built the brick house below Steep Falls, after¬
wards the Jason F. Rowe place, in which he resided for a time.— July
16 Geo W. Russell, 62; July, Mrs. Frank Gibson at Tulare, Cal.; Aug.
1 Mrs. Emily Flint, 80; Dr. E. H. Cook, Aug. 26, consumption, 33;
Sept. 15, at Colorado Springs, Otis N. Jones, consumption, 20 yrs. 7
mos., a promising young man and a great favorite in Norway; Sept
18, Richard Hannaford, about 90; Oct. 24, Mrs. Almira Marr, about
73'- Oct. 30, Maj. Ansel Towne, 85 yrs. 5 mos.; Nov. 5, Job B. Crooker,
about 74; Nov. 11, Mrs. Serena Shackley, about 80; Nov. 17, Sarah
Parsons, ’about 84; Nov. 20, Mrs. Desire York, about 89; Nov. 23,
Stephen H. Needham, about 76; Dec. 5, in Portland, Mrs. Eliza Mei-
rill Whitcomb, about 85. Remains were brought to Norway for
burial. Dec. 21, Mr. Charles Parsons, about 83; Dec. 24, Harriet W.
Sylvester, about 76; same day, John Hobbs, 56
1894
The oldest person in town in February was Mrs. Sally Pratt, aged
95— a pensioner on account of her husband being a soldier in the War
of 1812-15. The next oldest was Miss Lavinia Smith, born m 18U4.
C F. Whitman delivered the Memorial Day address at Lovell and
East Stoneham. He was elected Clerk of the Courts, and resignec
as Judge of the Norway Municipal Court, which he had held for 10
vears Herrick C. Davis of Paris Hill, was appointed by the Governor
to fill the vacancy. Mr. W. had tried about 400 criminal cases during
his ten years in office, and many hundred civil cases^-The great
fire of May 9, in the village, destroyed the C. B. Cummings &
Sons box factory and paste shop plant, the tannery, the Opera House,
Congregational church, about 80 dwelling houses and other structures,
and about 120 shade trees. During the year, five large brick blocks
several stores, the Congregational church, and some fifty dwellings
were built. The quick recovery from so great a conflagration in a
place of its size was almost without precedent.— Deaths : Jan. 8th, Mi.
Enoch N. Clement, 62; Jan. 17, Mrs. Arvilla P. French, wife of John
A. French, about 80; Jan. 13, Capt. Albert Sanborn 85 years ,
months- same day, Mrs. Olive Mills, 98 years; Jan. 20, Mary G. Hill,
79- Feb. 5, Helen M. Kilgore, about 60; Feb. 12, Mrs. Harriet P.
Brown widow of Titus O. Brown, about 79; Mar. 16, Benjamin
Marston, 72; Mar. 31, James H. Andrews, 67; April 4 Jacob Merri ,
72 years 5 months; April 27, Mrs. Lucia A. Buck, aged 72, May 4
Henry M. Bearce, 56; May 15, Mrs. Hannah Burn®U’ J,7,year%^
months; June 6, Lydia G. Hall, 57; June 7 Francis H. Whitman 70
years 5 months; June 5, Mrs. Olivia G. Hall, about 56 J"ne 25’
T Ellpn Frost 47 • July 3, W. H. Meserve, about 59, July 11, Mrs.
Jane B. Lovejoy, 63; July 17, Mrs. Sarah KTrue, 6! 1 years 3 months;
Aug 21 Hiram Johnson, 65; Sept. 5, Thomas Shedd, 88 years 4
HISTORY OF NORWAY
199
months; Sept. 13, Mary A. Penley, about 61; Sept. 22, Mrs. Susan J.
Brooks, 87 years 4 months; Oct. 15, Mr. Eben J. Pottle, 82.
1895
Jan. 1, C. F. Whitman began his duties as Clerk of the Courts at
Paris. — The law court having decided that the vote to remove the
county seat from Paris Hill to South Paris and for the county to
issue its bonds to the amount of $30,000 to erect new buildings was
legal, a lot a few rods west of the railroad station was secured and
the contract let to Joseph Philbrook of Lisbon Falls and the court
house was built in time for the county officials to move into the last
of December. The jailer’s house and jail, was completed during the
following year. — Gen. George L. Beal, who had served as State
Treasurer the legal limit, retired Jan. 1, to private life. — C. F. Whit¬
man was appointed to fill a vacancy on the school committee, and
chosen school supervisor. — The electric railroad was built this year
from Market Square in South Paris village near the Andrews House
to the head of Main St. in Norway village. — The county road from the
Millett Corner to the Paris line, was relocated. — Miss Gertrude Gard¬
ner began teaching this year in town. She had been teaching in Buck-
field, her native town, for about four years. She taught the summer
school at Norway Lake, and in the fall was transferred to the village
school where she has continued teaching to the present time (1922). —
The new shoe factory, 190 by 60 feet and three stories high, costing
about $18,000, which was subscribed by citizens of the town, was built
this year. — Oct. 23, Newhall Jackson died at 20. He was a student at
college and a very promising and smart young man. — Large amount
of building in village: Opera House, Odd Fellows block, C. N. Tubbs
store and barber shop, Tucker block, B. F. Bradbury, a large stable,
Noyes Drug Store block, Norway Savings Bank block, Doctor Bai’ker
and Doctor French, dwelling houses; lower school-house, etc. Opera
House completed Jan. 18. — Act to amend Charter of Norway Muni¬
cipal Court was passed in the legislature. — Deaths: Jan. 8, Mrs.
Syrena E. Stearns, 56; Jan. 10, Timothy S. Stearns, 53; Jan. 11,
Lorenzo D. Hobbs, 79; Jan. 23, Uriah H. Upton, about 82; Feb. 7,
Mr. Simeon Drake, about 76; Feb. 8, Mrs. Lydia Noyes, about 81;
Feb. 21, Mr. A. P. Burnell, about 77; Mar. 9, Benj. G. Barrows,
about 77 ; Mar. 13, Col. Geo. W. Millett, a native of Norway and
a former editor of the Oxford Democrat and Norway Advertiser, at
Cambridgeport, Mass., ahout 82; April 14, Mrs. Eleanor Bennett,
about 75; April 19. Daniel Holt, about 88; April 25. Mrs. Maria
Libby, about 57; May 1, Stephen Pottle, about 56; June 12, Dorothy
Bean, 81; June 28, Mrs. Polly Pike, widow of Seth Pike, about 75;
Sept. 1, Iva T. Whitcomb, 53; Sept 3, Samuel Whidden, about 79;
Oct. 28, Mrs. Almeda Bryant, formerly of Buckfield, about 77; Nov.
12, Mrs. Margaret Morse, 71 years 6 months.
1896
One of the greatest winter freshets since the settlement of the
town, the rain beginning on the last day of February and continuing
for two days. Norway escaped with very little damage, but in many
200
HISTORY OF NORWAY
places the loss of property was very great. About 8 inches of water
fell in the storm; the last end turning to snow. — -Only 16 persons
living in Norway village, May 1, who resided here in 1836 and 106 in
the whole town. In 1850 there were 15 persons living in Norway who
were 80 years old or more, and two were over 90. At that time 22
persons were 80 and upwards and three of these over 90, one being
97. _ J. Wesley Swan, photographer, who mysteriously disappeared in
Boston in Nov. 1893, arrived in Norway, May 25, and was joyfully re¬
ceived by his family and friends. Claimed to have been sand-bagged
and robbed in Boston and when he partially recovered consciousness
found himself in New Orleans. His memory left him and he wan¬
dered over that part of the country, finally coming to himself enough
in Texas to know where his home and family was, when he started for
Maine. A strange story. Some said they didn’t believe a word of
it, but didn’t know enough about the circumstances to contradict it. —
Mrs. Kate Jones of Boston purchased of C. B. Cummings & Sons the
“Reed Place,” on Pleasant street, and erected a fine set of buildings
in place of the old ones. — During the latter part of May a hail storm
of eleven minutes covered the ground and did considerable damage to
garden crops.— For the year ending July 1, the Norway & Paris St.
Ry. carried 170,000 passengers. — Deaths: Jan. at Winchester, Mass.,
Dea. Thomas G. Goodwin, formerly of Norway, 85 years 6 months.
He was born in Londonderry, Ireland, July 9, 1810, and came to Amer¬
ica in 1837, and three years later to Norway where he lived over 50
years in the undertaking and cabinet making business; Jan. 31, Joseph
F. Herrick, 66 years 5 months; Feb. 25, Wm. W. Gary, 76; Feb. 28,
Tristram Richards, 66; March 18, Jeremiah Hall, about 75; Mrs. Col-
man F. Lord, 61 years 6 mos.; April 11, Lavinia Smith, about 93;
same day, Mrs. Eliza Robbins, 84; April 9, Asa T. Dunham, 78; Mrs.
Orpha Frost, April 27, at Prairie-du-Sac, Wis., formerly of Norway,
90 years and 5 months; May 6, Oliver Frank Bolster, in Roxbury,
Mass., formerly of Norway, about 68; May 16, James P. Dunham, 61;
May 18, Thos. H. Richardson, 75 years 5 months; June 19, Mrs. Rox¬
ana Ames, about 89: July 17, Mrs. Emily B. Hatch, 85; Aug. 28, in
Cambridge, Mass., Charles E. Stevens, a native of Norway, about 89;
Sept. 15, Daniel Green, 76; Oct. 7, Sally Pratt, 99 years 7 months;
Sept. 24, Mr. Moses O. French, 72; Nov. 22, Daniel K. Hill, 78; Nov.
27, Mr. Luther F. P’ke, 92; Gen. Geo. L. Beal, Dec. 11, about 72. He
was buried with imposing ceremonies.
1897
Freshet in July, the water the highest known in 55 years. Capt.
Edmund Ames could remember storms back for 70 years. The great¬
est rain storm in that period was in 1842, when for several hours the
water of the lake rose two inches an hour. There was a great freshet
in 1869, and another in 1896. The lawn in front of shoe factory, in
August was named Witherell Park, in honor of Mr. Ivers L. Witherell
of Lynn, Mass., formerly superintendent of the shoe factory of B. F.
Spinney & Co.— The County Commissioners relocated Main Street in
the village below the tannery bridge in Sept.— Oct. 5 a party consist¬
ing of C. B. Cummings, C. F. Whitman, Geo. I. Cummings, Howard
HISTORY OF NORWAY
201
Moulton and Wilbur Farrar, went by train and carriage to the base of
Mt. Washington, and traveled on foot up the carriage road. They
stopped for several hours at the half-way house and reached the top
in time to see the sun rise. They arrived home on their return trip
that afternoon. — John A. Woodman of Manchester, N. H., purchased
and took possession of Beal’s Hotel in October. He proved to be one
of the most popular landlords the house ever had. — Chapel on Paris
street erected by Episcopal Society of Norway. — Extensive building
and repairing done in the village. — Oxford Central Electric R. R.
from Norway to East Stoneham, with branch from Rice’s Junction
through Waterford Flat to South Waterford, agitated. Waterford
voted to aid the enterprise by appropriating $10,000; Albany granted
right to locate in its territory on the road from North Waterford to
Stoneham, but voted no aid. Norway voted to take $10,000 of the
stock on certain conditions; — chiefly that the road must be built before
any money was paid over. Italian laborers not paid for work in Sept,
a big strike took p!ace near Rice’s Junction; serious trouble was
averted and the Italians left and all work on the project stopped.
The town was at considerable expense but it was felt that great
trouble had been prevented. — Clifford J. Lawrence, youngest son
of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. P. Lawrence, a very bright little fellow,
was so badly injured by falling under Justus I. Millett’s ice
cai’t, July 7, that he died within two hours after, at age of 9 yrs.
6 mcs. — Deaths: Jan. 16, Dr. Geo. P. Jones, stroke of paralysis, 67, b.
Westfield, Mass., Jan. 7, 1830; Jan. 22, Dr. O. N. Bradbury, 68 years
3 months; Feb. 5, Mrs. Mabel F. Bradbury, from injury received in
a fall, about 38, a most lovable woman; Charles S. Cummings, in Cal.
Mar. 1, 35, remains bi'ought home for burial; William Cox, Mar. 12,
88, the oldest man in town; same day, Allen J. Crooker, 74; March 16,
Henry N. Judkins, a soldier of the Civil War, about 58; Frank E.
Thompson, b. Norway, Dec. 19, 1861, at Cumberland, Md., hospital,
March 20; he was a graduate of Dartmouth and prominent in busi¬
ness in Davis, W. Va., his remains were brought to Norway for
burial; they repose in a mausoleum in Pine Grove cemetery; March
18, Aaron C. Noble, about 70; March 25, Albert H. Stuart, 64; Mar.
22, America Bisbee, 85 years 5 months; May 31, at North Benning¬
ton, Vt., Georgia A., wife of Capt. Wright Bisbee, 52; June 4, Amos
A. Grover, about 68; June 8, Mrs. Olive S. Hillier, 63; May 28, Mrs.
Susan P. Beal, 92 years 6 months; June 17, Charles H. Hayden, 39;
June 19, Mrs. Ephraim H. Brown, 75; July 6, wife of Isaac W. Ab¬
bott, about 64; July 30, Mrs. Mary E. Bartlett, about 60; in Poland,
Aug. 18, Adna C. Denison, about 82; Oct. 4, Mrs. Esther (Hawkins)
Dyer, nearly 70: Elias Sinclair Mason, formerly in the hardware
business in Norway, died in Rankin, Ill., Nov. 20, 51, he was born in
Bethel, Nov. 21; Mrs. Thomas L. Newcomb, 63 years 5 months; Dec.
1, Mrs. Rosanna 1C. E.) Dunn, 59; same day in Otisfield, Geo. F.
Andrews, about 65; Dec. 13, at Mechanic Falls, Hiram Lovejoy, 76.
1898
The War with Spain had a glorious termination for this country.
May 1, Admiral George Dewey’s war ships defeated the Spanish fleet
202
HISTORY OF NORWAY
in the harbor of Manila in the Philippine Islands, and captured the
city; Frank T. Bartlett, Captain of the Norway Co., died July 3d,
after a four days illness at Chickamauga, Ga., about 30. — The last of
August the Me. Regt. was sent to Augusta. All were granted a
30 days furlough to visit their homes; the Norway Co. was mustered
out at Norway, in October. The war practically closed by the naval
victory off Santiago, Cuba, in which the Spanish fleet under Admiral
Cervera was destroyed without loss on our side of a single man. A
treaty of peace was signed at Paris, granting independence to Cuba,
the cession of the Spanish Possessions to the U. S. Government, in
the West Indies, and the Philippine Islands for $20,000,000. — C. F.
Whitman was re-elected Clerk of the Courts in September. — Consider¬
able building in the village and at South Paris this year. — Deaths;
Jan. 2, Mr. Samuel Partridge, 88; he was born in Poland, Oct. 25,
1809; Jan. 3, George Crooker, 76; he was a pensioner of the U. S. for
service in the Mexican War, at $72 a month on account of blindness;
Elbridge G. Allen, born in Poland, Sept. 5, 1819, who settled in Nor¬
way in 1846, died at his home, Jan. 16, past the age of 78; Jan. 12,
at Harrison, Mrs. Francis H. Whitman; Feb. 9, Mrs. Nancy J., wife of
Rollin Towne, about 68; Feb. 5, at South Paris, Mr. James Deering,
99 years 3 months 3 days; Feb. 25, Mrs. Belinda Thompson Beal, 71;
Mar. 22, Mrs. Cora E., widow of Walter S. Abbott, at So. Boston,
about 40; March 27, Hattie A., wife of Col. E. F. Smith, 26; April 5,
Mrs. Minnie Grace Hurd, about 29; April 3, Mrs. Rosanna Bennett, 56
years 5 months; April 1, Harrison Buck, a Civil War soldier, about
61; Lewis O’Brion, April 9, at Auburn, 67; he was born in Quebec,
May 5, 1831; lived in Norway for many years; remains interred in
Pine Grove cemetery; April 19, Edward G. Rounds, a Civil War sol¬
dier, 66; April 21, Mrs. Emma Bartlett Gurney, 58 years 6 months;
April 23, Mrs. Mary A. Frost, 80 years 4 months; April 20, Mrs.
Henrietta B. Walker, 59 years 4 months; April 28, at South Fram¬
ingham, Mass., Mrs. Emma Denison Collins, 41 years 4 months; at
Lewiston, May 7, Mrs. Mary J. Needham, nearly 97; May 28, Joel S.
Frost, 82; June 5, Mrs. Sophia Dunham of Hebron, 84; June 8, John
B. Carter, 62; June 16, Mrs. Dorcas Partridge, about 79; June 24,
Mrs. Sarah S. Hobbs, 75; July 23, William Foss, 66; Aug. 19, Rosanna
A. Crockett, about 82; at Church Hill, Md., Aug. 11, Mrs. Lucinda
Scott, about 72; Aug. 25, Mrs. Abigail H. Bolster, about 77 years 6
months; Sept. 22, Mrs. Daniel Holt, about 74; in Worcester, Mass.,
Hannibal H. Houghten, about 72; in Groveton, N. H., Sept. 17, Mrs.
Ellen Tabor Danforth, about 58; in Andover, Mass., Sept. 26, Geo. F.
Holt, 60; Oct. 16, Moses H. Harriman, about 57; Nov. 5, Mrs. Lizzie
Young, 58; Nov. 13, Wm. E. Austin, 28; Nov. 12, Mrs. Cynthia J.
Crockett, about 74; Nov. 25, Mr. Robert J. Frost, about 76; at Council
Bluffs, Dec. 16, Mr. Josiah Danforth, 71; Dec. 18, Mrs. Chas. H.
Adams, about 54; Dec. 19, Elden Brown, about 64; Dec. 30, Geo. P.
Rowe, about 61.
1899
Geo. L. Curtis appointed Express Agent in January. — Judge C.
F. Whitman delivered the Memorial Day address at Peabody, Mass. —
The ice went out of the lake, April 29. For some 25 years the dates
were as follows:
HISTORY OF NORWAY
203
1874 May 13, 1875 May 6, 1876 May 11, 1877 April 22, 1878 April
12, 1879 May 7, 1880 April 22, 1881 April 29, 1882 May 1, 1883 May
2, 1884 April 26, 1885 May 2, 1886 April 24, 1887 May 6, 1888 May
10, 1889 April 16, 1890 April 26, 1891 April 28, 1892 April 18, 1893
May 8, 1894 April 24, 1895 April 21, 1896 April 27, 1897 April 27,
1898 April 18.
Mr. John A. Woodman built a lake cottage on the Freeman shore
this spring. — Mrs. Izah T. (Howe) Sanborn returned from a six
months visit in California and accepted the position as Matron of
the Girls’ Home at Belfast. — Miss Agnes Sanborn taught her first
school this summer. It was in the “Jones District.” — In August the
weather was so dry that the lake fell an inch a day. The water
fell in October to one of the lowest points ever known.
The author inserts the following with great reluctance, but a
true history of the town could not well omit mention of the facts.
It is taken from the local paper, Nov. 17, without comment:
“The Norway Savings Bank for the past three months has been
undergoing an examination; the court restraining it from receiving
deposits, until the affairs and indebtedness of the late treasurer,
who died last August, were adjusted. During this time the wildest
stories have been current regarding the shortcomings of the late
treasurer and the amount of his indebtedness. The following made
up from the Bank Examiner’s report to the court and the statement
of the condition of the bank in other columns fully explain to the
public the condition of affairs as they exist.
By order of the court the deposit books were called in and verified
with the ledger and all discrepancies noted.
There were 1842 accounts and all the books but 92 have been sent
in. These 92 accounts represent on the ledger $3,158.40 and some
books come in almost every day. The intention is to get in every
book if it takes a year. The true amount of deposits was found to be
$308,318.01 and the difference between that and the represented
amount was $17,332.27. Of this sum $14,246.97 was from trans¬
actions of the late treasurer between May 15, 1894 and May 15, 1899
and was made good to the bank by his bond; $8,000 of this came
from his estate and relatives, and the balance of $6,246.97 was appor¬
tioned among the sureties on the bond at $446.21 each. The balance
of the difference, $3,085.30 resulted from transactions after May 15,
1899, and prior to the time he was elected treasurer in May, 1894. Of
this sum the surety bond from the Union Safe Deposit and Trust Co.
of Portland paid $500. The difference of $2585.30, the examination
made evident was for deficiencies existing prior to May 15, 1894, and
was adjusted by the parties legally responsible. Sixteen of the
eighteen sureties on the five year bond (lost according to State Bank
Examiner’s report) have already settled and steps are being taken to
collect of the other two (one paid and the other never did) so that
the depositors’ loss in this unfortunate affair may be as light as
possible.” The Bank Examiner’s report was that it would be about
one per cent of the deposits. Before the month ended the bank
was opened for business and under the able and business man¬
agement of its officers, the bank has steadily grown in public con¬
fidence and is now (1923) one of the soundest financial institutions
204
HISTORY OF NORWAY
in the state with the largest amount of deposits in its history. — A sea
bird common to Labrador was shot on the lake in November by John
M. Frank. It weighed but half a pound. It had a spread of wing of
30 inches. — Deaths: Jan. 2, Mercy E. Noble, 53; Jan. 5, Wm. A.
Marston, about 79; Jan. 13, Mrs. Ezekiel C. Jackson, 75 years 6 mos. ;
Jan. 26, Mr. Charles B. Cummings, 64; in Portland, Jan. 18, Mrs.
Carrie (Farrar) Ames, 34; Feb. 3, Francis Marion Noble, a Civil War
soldier, about 54; same day, Gertrude A. Millett, 19 years 5 mos.; in
Bangor, Feb. 18, Mr. D. Webster Beal, aged about 65; same day,
Arthur M. Swett, about 42; 18th, Oscar D. Wilbur, about 57; in Bos¬
ton, Feb. 24, Horatio G. Cole, Jr., 65; in Brooklyn, N. Y., Feb. 25,
Napoleon Gray; in Oxford, Feb. 23, Nath’l G. Frost, a Civil War sol¬
dier, about 69; March 17, Azel W. Faunce, 67 years 4 mos.; March 28,
Mrs. Adaline A. (Webb) Merrill, '68; April 7, Truman Crosby, 79;
April 20, Mrs. Adelaide Stone, 83; April 19, J. F. Lovering, about 81;
in Boston, April 17, Mrs. Lydia F. (Gurney) Knowles, 73; remains
brought to Norway for burial; same day, Mr. Colman F. Lord, 73,
born in 1826, on Frost Hill; same day, Frank P. Libby, 46; April 24,
John Woodman, aged 84 years 8 mos.; in Rockport, May 5, Mrs. Henry
H. Hobbs, about 72; Mr. Ralph S. Freeman, May 14, 81 years 5 mos.;
May 16, Mrs. Martha Jane Sanborn, about 64; May 20, Mrs. Henri¬
etta Lamrock, about 69; Mrs. Ivory M. Smith, June 9, about 71; in
Lake City, Iowa, June 8, Capt. I. Frank Hobbs, a Civil War veteran,
about 58; June 27, Mrs. Isaac H. Lord; Aug. 18, Daniel Holt, 2d,
76 years 4 mos.; Aug. 9, Judge Seward S. Stearns, 43; Sept. 7, Mrs.
Joel S. Frost; Sept. 22, Mrs. Izah B. P. Tenney, 80; in Framingham,
Mass., Sept. 25, Eshburn Towne, 73; Oct. 11, David Burney, about 76;
Cyrus S. Tucker, Oct. 31, 58; Nov. 20, Mrs. Sarah Delphina (Parsons)
Hawkins, 73; in Spring Grove, Ind., Charles C. Crockett, Dec. 18,
about 63; Dec. 21, Mrs. Nellie A. Jewett, about 47; at Mechanic Falls,
Dec. 24, Adna S. Needham, 48.
1900
Norway Lodge No. 16, I. O. O. F., had a membership of 191,
Jan. 1st, and $6000 invested in real estate and other funds. — The
teachers who passed successful State examinations were awarded their
certificates in January. Helen S. Swan and Cora B. Shedd received
theirs for life; Gertrude Gardner and Jessie L. Dinsmore for five
years and Hattie Cragin for three years. — After five months’ suspen¬
sion, passenger service over the Norway Branch R. R. was resumed
Feb. 1. Mr. Herman E. Wilson, one of the most popular officials on
the Grand Trunk, took his old position as conductor which he has held
to the present time (1922). — In March, H. Denison Cole arrived home
from the Philippines where he had been for more than a year in the
U. S. Army service, as hospital steward. He stopped for a short time
in the Sandwich Islands on his way. — Judge Whitman delivered the
memorial address at East Sumner this year. — Prof. C. A. Stephens
and daughter Janet, went abroad in May and visited the Paris Expo¬
sition and many other places of interest. — The water, April 20, at the
mill dam was the highest known for 40 years. It rose half an inch
above the high water mark of 1898 and an inch higher than in May,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
205
1893. — Fifteen persons living in Norway, May 1, were over 80: Sam¬
uel Foster, b. Jan. 1809, Charles Tubbs, b. June 1812, Capt. Amos F.
Noyes, b. Dec. 1812, Capt, Jonathan Whitehouse, b. April 1813, Ansel
Dinsmore, b. Sept. 26, 1815, Sol. I. Millett, April 1816, Capt. Jonathan
Blake, b. June 1817, Sam’l P. Frost, Oct., 1817, David Sanborn, b.
Feb. 1817, Ephraim H. Brown, b. Sept. 1818, B. C. A. Pingree, b.
July 1818, Simon Stevens, 2d, b. June 16, 1818, John A. French, b.
July 1819, Peter B. Buck, b. Oct. 1819, and W. D. Cordwell, Oct.
1819. — The ice went out of the lake April 29. — Miss Alice Frost grad¬
uated from the high school as valedictorian in her class. She entered
Bates in the autumn. — James N. Favor purchased the stock and busi¬
ness cf the Cyrus S. Tucker harness shop in May. — The Thompson
mausoleum in Pine Grove cemetery was constructed in June. It was
built of granite blocks from a Barre, Vt., quarry and was set up with¬
out use of cutting tools. It loaded 8 cars. — An eclipse of the sun in
the morning of May 28. It was nearly total. — Master Ralph Lasselle
had such fine curly hair that he had it cut annually and sold to a
Portland wig-maker for $35. From the proceeds of the sales he ac¬
quired a big bank account for a little fellow. — July 15, the corn shop
of H. F. W.ebb Co. was partially burned — loss, $20,000, insured for
$16,000. — It was rebuilt with great improvements in time for the fall
run. — Mrs. Izah T. Sanborn resigned in July as Matron of the Girls’
Home at Belfast to become Matron of the “King’s Daughter’s Home”
at Bangor, a position she has held to the present time (1918). — Mr.
Don C. Seitz of New York offered $25 in gold to the student in the
high school who should attain the highest honors during the next
school year. — Aug. 11 was Buckfield’s Old Home Week, and several
Norway people, natives of Buckfield, attended, Judge Whitman being
among the speakers. — Aug. 26, during a thunder shower the barn of
the Sol. I. Millett place was struck by lightning and destroyed. A
barn on C. A. Pride’s meadow farm was struck and burned. Several
trees were also hit by the electric fluid during the storm. — In 1864, the
“Cobblers” Ass’n. was formed. Only one of the original number was
living in 1900, Clarence M. Smith. — Wm. A. Emery stated in Decem¬
ber, that he and another boy saw George Knight of Poland, throw
into the bushes the butcher knife by which he had killed his wife, and
that they picked it up and he was a witness at the trial.— Deaths :
Jan. 5, Mrs. Eliza A. Starbird, about 75; Jan. 8, Mrs. Matilda (Buck)
Watson, about 70; Jan. 9 in Waterville, Levi T. Boothby, 82; Jan. 17,
Henry H. Crockett, 46; in Portland, Jan. 24, Judge Charles W. Wal¬
ton, 80; Jan. 23, Samuel Mains, 87; Feb. 27 in Colebrook, N. H., Miss
Emerline P. Lord, about 79; Feb. in Boston, Chas. G. Holt, aged 74;
March 3, on town farm, Mina Bodwell, aged 68; she had lived there
longer than any other inmate — 63 years; March 7, in Malden, Mass.,
Hiram W. Deering, nearly 87; Mar. 18, Mrs. Eliz. S. (Millett) Cox,
80 years 6 mos.; Mar. 23, Dea. Nathan W. Millett, 65; in Fairfield,
March 19, Mrs. Harriet A. Lovejoy, 80; March 23, in Limington, Mrs.
Louise (Richardson) Robinson, aged 60; March 25, in Milford, Mass.,
Mrs. Rosilla C. (Tucker) Morgan, about 72; April 4, Joseph E. Long,
a Civil War soldier, 68; in Otisfield, Joseph Holden, “the astronomer,”
March 30, about 84; March 28, Mrs. Cyprian G. Hobbs, about 80;
April 13, Edward H. Morse, about 82; April 21, John L. Horne, 75
206
HISTORY OF NORWAY
years 4 mos. ; April 20, Mrs. John N. Baker, 66; July 7, Edward E.
Millett, about 38; in West Paris, July 8, Benjamin Bacon, about 95;
July 16, in Lebanon, Mrs. Alpheus E. Durgin, 69; July 19, Mrs. Cyrus
Woodsum, about 75; in Hyde Park, Mass., July 12, Mrs. Mary J.,
widow of Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., 77; in Portland, Aug. 8, Rev. Dr. Cyrus
Hamlin, former resident for many years of Constantinople, Turkey,
about 90; in Aurora, Ill., Aug. 1, Jonathan M. Holt, about 74; in
Waterbury, Conn., Sept. 4, Wm. Tucker, 64. — The Norway Pine Grove
Cemetery Association was formed in 1859. There were 48 shares of
stock, of which Ezra F. Beal and Levi Whitman had 13. All the other
subscribers to the stock took one share each. Sept. 1 of this year only
Capt. Jonathan Blake and Elbridge G. Allen were then living of the
original stockholders. — In Newton Highlands, Mass., Aug. 31, Prof.
Geo. F. Leonard, former principal of the Norway Liberal Institute,
68; Sept. 10, Charles Tubbs, 88; Sept. 20, Mrs. Josiah Dutton; Sept.
14, in Falmouth, Mrs. Narcissa Bennett, 84; Sept. 22, Mrs. Eben
Pottle, 82; at Rumford, Sept. 28, Maj. W. K. Bickford, a Civil War
soldier, 64; at Ridlonville, Sept. 23, Amos K. Towne, 56; Oct. 15,
David C. Jordan, 23; Oct. 6, at Caton, Mich., Rev. Osgood E. Fuller,
65, born in Norway; Oct. 21, Thos. D. Knightly, about 71; Oct. 19,
at Mechanic Falls, Mrs. Martha J. Gilkey, 71; Nov. 4, in San Francis¬
co, Cal., Mrs. Geo. E. Gibson, aged about 66; Nov. 2, in Arlington,
Mass., Jacob F. Hobbs, 78 years 2 mos.; Dec. 6, in Boston, Joel T.
Crooker, about 66; Nov. 30, in Colebrook, N. H., Mrs. Elsie Merrow,
about 83; Dec. 28, in Somerville, Mass., Mrs. Ruth (Damon), widow
of Dr. Willard C. George, 86; Dec. 31, Simon Stevens, 2d, about
83; Dec. 21, in Church Hill, Md., Charles A. Scott, about 80.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
207
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Notable Men.
If all Norway citizens who have made a success in life, whether
here* or elsewhere, were mentioned in a biographical chapter, it would
be very voluminous — too much so in fact for the purposes of this his¬
tory. Nor should a few of them be given prominence and especial
mention, just because sketches of them are paid for.
Therefore it has been considered best that the personal notices
should be written on a different plan, and to present together in one
chapter, sketches of those whom the author conceives to have per¬
formed some signal service for the town, state or country, making
brief mention of those who, going away from the old town, young or
later in life have achieved noteworthy success.
It will readily be assented to, that five men who were never resi¬
dents of Norway, did a great deal for the town, and for convenience
and perhaps properly are mentioned first. They are Capt. Henry
Rust of Salem, Mass., Jonathan Cummings of Andover, Mass., Edward
Little of Newburyport, Mass., Benjamin F. Spinney of Lynn, Mass.,
and Dr. Wm. B. Lapham of Augusta.
Capt. Henry Rust.
Henry Rust, born in Ipswich, Mass., August 23, 1739, served a
period in the War of the Revolution. In early life he removed to
Salem and engaged in the shipping business and in manufacturing by
which he acquired a large fortune for those times. He was a member
of the General Court in Boston in 1792-3. In 1787 (date of deed)
Captain Rust purchased of the Commonwealth some 6000 acres, now
the most populous part of Norway, which was organized as Rustfield
Plantation. He had taken prompt and effective measures to settle
upon his tract, a class of energetic, thrifty and moral citizens, which
have been the characteristics of the people of the town from that
period to this. He developed the water power at the head of the
future village and built mills upon it. He had also a large two-
story house constructed on the northeast slope of what was afterwards
called Pike’s Hill, a store near the mills and a tannery farther down
the outlet of the lake. He gave the lot on which the first meeting¬
house in the village and town was built, and a burying ground for the
dead. Captain Rust sent two of his sons here to settle and another
came after his death. All three had been sea captains. He died
Sept. 28, 1812.
Jonathan Cummings.
Jonathan Cummings was probably born in Dunstable, Mass., in
1738. He was a blacksmith by trade, and settled in Andover. He
was a Soldier in the Revolution. In 1788 and 1790, he purchased
tracts from the state located north of Rust’s lands and west of Lee’s
Grant, comprising some 3560 acres. He, like Captain Rust, instead of
holding his lands for speculation, early settled upon them a class of
people in no way inferior to those who had made for themselves
homes on Rust’s tract. Three of his sons lived for a period here but
208
HISTORY OF NORWAY
HENRY RUST, SEN. A. C. DENISON
two of them went elsewhere. The other one became the leading citi¬
zen in his section at least and passed his last days here. Jonathan
Cummings died in May, 1805.
Edward Little.
Edward Little was born in Newbury, Mass., March 12, 1773. He
graduated at Dartmouth College, N. H. in 1793, read law in the of¬
fice of Chief Justice Parsons at Newburyport, practiced his profession
for several years and removed to Portland in 1811. The next year
he purchased the Lee’s Grant and proceeded to develop it. With one
exception the people living there on the tract were tenant farmers
holding under yearly leases. He changed all this by giving deeds to
those who wished to purchase lots, and taking mortgages for a part
or the whole price of those sold. The grant was lotted and put upon
the market. A thrifty class of settlers was attracted to the section,
and it was quickly peopled with desirable citizens. Mr. Little founded
and endowed the Little High School in Auburn where he had removed
in the twenties and died there Sept. 21, 1849.
Benjamin F. Spinney.
Benjamin F. Spinney, the head of the firm of B. F. Spinney &
Company, manufacturers of women’s shoes in Lynn, Mass., was one
of the leading business men and most respected citizens of that city.
He never had even a temporary residence in Norway. The larger
part of the company’s business was brought here to get rid of labor
troubles and this it accomplished. Norway greatly benefited, how¬
ever, by the transfer. Mr. Spinney was a far-seeing business man
and was characterized by his high sense of honorable dealings.
William Berry Lapham.
William B. Lapham, son of John and Lovicy (Berry) Lapham,
was born in Greenwood, Aug. 21, 1828. He married in 1866, Cynthia
Ann Perham, born in Woodstock, June 27, 1839. He chose the prac¬
tice of medicine for his profession, for which he fitted himself, but did
not follow it long. On the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion
HISTORY OF NORWAY
209
WM. B. LAPHAM
DAVID NOYES
CHAS. F. WHITMAN
210
HISTORY OF NORWAY
he helped raise a company of volunteers at Bryant Pond which was
disbanded. He afterwards entered the service as Lieutenant in Co.
F, 23rd Maine, and on the expiration of its term of service re-enlisted
with the same rank in the 7th Maine Batt’y, participating in many
engagements and performing meritorious service.
Doctor Lapham turned his attention to the writing of local history
and family genealogies, in which field he was without a rival in his
time. He had removed from Woodstock to Augusta where he re¬
ported for many years the doings of the legislature for the leading
papers of the state. He wrote the town histories of Norway, Paris,
Woodstock, Bethel and Rumford. He died at Augusta, and his widow
in Norway.
Asa Barton began the publication of the first newspaper here, and
Fred W. Sanborn has established a weekly journal on an enduring
basis. Their biographical sketches appear elsewhere in this volume.
Ezra F. Beal.
Ezra F. Beal, born in Norway, June 17, 1797, was the son of
William and Jerusha (Fluent) Beal, who had settled here, some
months before. He acquired a good education in the schools of that
period, and probably received instruction as a private pupil of Rev.
Noah Cressey. He developed a great liking for mathematics and
drawing, and while a young man became a noted school teacher.
Afterwards he became a contractor and builder. Entering with
great enthusiasm into the project of a railroad through this section
from Montreal to Portland, he was selected as one of the two directors
in this county of the Atlantic & St. Lawrence R. R. Co., which built
this part of the road after it had been decided that Portland should be
the seaport instead of Boston. Mr. Beal had the confidence of the
managers in a high degree which he retained as long as he lived. He
built the most of the old stations on the line of the road, the U. S.
Hotel and Falmouth House in Portland and the Beal’s Hotel here. He
was the prime mover in providing the village with its first public hall
(Concert Hall) which was accomplished by raising the Universalist
meeting house up one story and finishing up a large room underneath.
This also provided a place for the town meetings for many years. He
was the most prominent man in obtaining a charter for the Savings
Bank and getting it established on a firm basis and was one of the
founders of the Oxford County Agricultural Society. No man did
more for Norway than Ezra F. Beal. At one time he desired to rep¬
resent the town in the legislature, but was turned down. It was a
sad blow after he had done so much and taken such a deep interest in
everything which would be of benefit to Norway. He died soon after,
(Dec. 19, 1871).
Gen. George L. Beal.
George L. Beal was born in Norway, May 21, 1825. His education
was obtained in the common and high schools of the town and at
Westbrook Seminary. He first went into business with Robert
Noyes, who had a bookbindery, and sold books and stationery. He
was appointed express agent on the railroad in 1853, was one of the
HISTORY OF NORWAY
211
organizers of the Norway Light Infantry of which he was Captain
when the war broke out in 1861. His military record is given else¬
where. Also his service as U. S. Pension Agent for Maine, Adjutant
General and State Treasurer. Had he been a skilled politician he
might have been Governor of the State and a Member of Congress.
The Norway Branch R. R. was chartered and built largely through
his efforts. He was President of the company as long as he lived.
Sumner Burnham.
Sumner Burnham was born in Harrison, Nov. 16, 1809. He came
to Norway about 1858, and settled first near Frost’s Corner but sub¬
sequently moved to the village. Mr. Burnham was a deputy sheriff
and detective for many years and served with great distinction in the
latter capacity during the Civil War. To him is chiefly due the credit
of getting a National Bank located here and establishing it on a firm
financial basis. He was its president from date of organization to
his death, June 22, 1878.
Rev. Noah Cressey.
Rev. Noah Cressey, for the lasting influence he exerted in educa¬
tional affairs in the town, deserves a place in this chapter. He died
in Boston, Dec. 15, 1867, at 90 years of age. His biographical sketch
appears elsewhere in these pages.
Maj. Jonathan Cummings.
Jonathan Cummings, born in Andover, Mass., Feb. 5, 1771, was
the son of the proprietor of the Cummings Purchase, and came here
about 1792. A large house and barn were built by his father, into
which be moved with his uncle, Job Eastman, who was afterwards,
for forty-two years, town clerk. Jonathan Cummings, for a period
after the incorporation of the town, was the most influential and the
foremost citizen in Norway. He was the first Captain of the Norway
military company organized in 1800, and afterwards promoted to
Major of the regiment to which this company was attached. He built
the Congregational church at Norway Center in 1808-9, and gave
it to the society. His disposition “was cheerful, kind and obliging”
and up to the time of his death, “there was probably no man in
the place who could exercise so great an influence as Major Cum¬
mings.” He employed a large number of people in clearing lands,
building mills and various enterprises. He did the Congregational
Society and the town a great service in preventing the preacher Stod¬
dard from being settled as resident pastor, and in promoting the
coming of Rev. Noah Cressey, which proved so beneficial to Norway.
Major Cummings’ wife was Joanna Cobb, the sister of William
Reed’s wife. He died much lamented, July 12, 1820. She died
June 30, 1844. Their oldest child, Mary, married Josiah Little, who
acquired a large interest in the Lee’s Grant, after Edward Little had
purchased it.
Charles Bradley Cummings.
Charles B. Cummings was born in Norway, Dec. 18, 1834. He
learned the cabinet making business when he was twenty years old,
and later built the original structure on Main Street opposite the
212
HISTORY OF NORWAY
printing office, and became a furniture dealer. He engaged also in
the lumber business, and the manufacture of spool stock. Later a
grain milling business was established. His boys were brought up in
his different branches of business and two of them, George I. Cum¬
mings and Edwin S. Cummings, developed into as far-seeing, able
and successful business men as the town has ever had. The business
of the C. B. Cummings & Sons, which the father started and estab¬
lished, is the third industry of the village and town, and it pays by
far the greatest tax in Norway.
Charles B. Cummings was one of the best of men — a tender hus¬
band, a kind father, a firm friend and an upright citizen. He died
Jan. 26, 1899.
Lawrence M. Carroll.
Lawrence M. Carroll was born in Ellsworth in 1869. He has been
in the shoe business since 1890. He does things and accomplishes
results. Through his efforts largely the Maine State Fair was put
on its feet and became able to pay its indebtedness and running ex¬
penses. He came here in 1914 when the shoe business in Norway was
dead. He organized and started a prosperous business which now
turns out a daily product of some 3000 pairs of women’s shoes. He
not only did this but he bought property, has located here permanently
and pays taxes, which none of the Spinney Company ever did. He is
therefore entitled to a place among our notable men who have done
some lasting benefit for Norway.
Adna C. Denison.
Adna C. Denison, born in Burke, Vt., Nov. 15, 1815, had many
characteristics like Ezra F. Beal. Both were business men of great
capacity, and both would compare favorably with many of the men
who have been Governors of Maine. Mr. Denison married in 1838,
Hannah True of Sutton, Vt. He had entered a store there as clerk
at the age of fifteen, and shortly after took charge of the whole busi¬
ness. He came to Norway in 1842, at the solicitation of Titus O.
Brown, Jr., who had married his sister, Nancy Curtis Denison, and
had been in business here for about ten years. Mr. Brown built a
store at Steep Falls for Mr. Denison’s occupancy. A company was
formed to carry on business there but Mr. Denison, was its able head
and general manager. He wrought a revolution in the methods of
traffic and made Norway the greatest center for trade in all this sec¬
tion of country, which it has since maintained. Adna C. Denison in
the fifties removed to Mechanic Falls and engaged in the manufacture
of paper. He was the founder of the paper making business of that
village and served in both branches of the Legislature of the state.
His wife died March 23, 1881. He died April 18, 1894.
Henry W. Millett.
Henry W. Millett was born in Norway, July 25, 1796. He married
Sarah, daughter of Capt. Henry Rust, the proprietor of Rustfield.
In his day he was one of the shrewdest political managers, but his
chief fame rests upon his engineering through the legislature, of
which he was a member, in 1859, the project of annexing a tract to
HISTORY OF NORWAY
213
Norway from Paris. In politics, he was first a national republican,
next a whig and later a republican. He served as a deputy sheriff
for eighteen years and as high sheriff for one term. In the militia,
he rose to the rank of Major and late in life was generally called
“Old Major Millett.” He was appointed by President Lincoln, village
postmaster, a position he held for nearly eight years. His residence
was in the corner formed by Main and Paris streets where he died
Feb. 28, 1869, while holding the position of postmaster.
David Noyes.
David Noyes was born in Winchendon, Mass., June 16, 1788. He
came to Norway in 1804, when not quite sixteen years old. His elder
brother, Ward Noyes, had been here four yeras. David Noyes began
teaching soon after his coming, which he followed till 1815, when he
bought and cleared what was later known as the George E. Gibson
farm near Norway Center. He assisted Uriah Holt in surveying and
lotting tracts of land, and run out and lotted Hamlin’s Grant, after¬
wards a part of Woodstock, which that town had annexed in 1873
to get rid of a great nuisance in the shape of a liquor agency. David
Noyes served five years on the board of selectmen, and one or two
terms as county commissioner. On the opening of the new road from
Bethel through Locke’s Mills, Greenwod City and Noble’s Corner in
1823, Mr. Noyes fitted up his dwelling for a public house, which he
conducted till the Atlantic & St. Lawrence R. R., now the Grand
Trunk, was built through South Paris, which closed the travel over
this old stage line. In 1852, Mr. Noyes published his history of the
town. It had been not only written by a citizen of Norway, but was
printed on paper made at Asa Danforth’s mill, by a Norway printer,
Col. Geo. W. Millett, editor and proprietor of the Norway Advertiser,
and bound by Robert Noyes, a Norway book-binder. David Noyes
sold his farm about 1854 and removed to Massachusetts to live with
a son. He died Sept. 12, 1871, “aged 83 yrs. 2 mos. and 26 ds.” His
wife, Hannah S. (Needham) Noyes, had died Feb. 5, 1859, “aged 69
yrs. 7 ds.” Both are buried in Norway Center in the family lot.
Dr. Albert Thompson.
Albert Thompson, born in Berlin, N. H., Feb. 28, 1839, graduated
at Gould’s Academy, Bethel, and afterwards took a course of instruc¬
tion in dentistry in Portland, later coming to Norway and opening
an office for the practice of his profession. He married, June 20,
1861, Miss Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Jonathan and Elizabeth
(Crockett) Blake. Dr. Thompson was clerk for Captain Blake while
the latter served as sutler of the 29th Me. in the War of the Re¬
bellion. But for an injury received when seventeen years old, which
incapacitated him from military service, Dr. Thompson would have
been a volunteer in the War for the preservation of the Union, which
he ardently sustained. His forceful character and marked ability
would no doubt have placed him in the foremost rank of those of his
community, who distinguished themselves in the service of their
country. Shortly after the war he resided at Stark, N. H., but soor
removed to Philadelphia, where he became financially interested wit!
214
HISTORY OF NORWAY
S. MAUDE KAEMMERLING
A DM ’L KAEMMERLING
DR. ALBERT THOMPSON
MRS. MARY E. THOMPSON
FRANK E. THOMPSON
HISTORY OF NORWAY
215
his son, Frank E., in coal mining and lumber operations in West Vir¬
ginia. In 1881 he made Ridgeway, Pa., his home. Ten years after he
removed to Davis, West Virginia, where he lived for seven years.
There they operated a large lumber plant. This was sold in 1907,
and thereafter they were chiefly interested in bituminous and anthra¬
cite coal lands in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. He afterwards
returned to Philadelphia where he lived the remainder of his life. Dr.
Thompson always maintained a summer home at Stark, N. H., where
he lived for a time before going to Pennsylvania, and while there
represented that town in the Legislature. He had great natural
ability, was one of the best informed men of his time, and a worthy
citizen of every community in which he ever lived. He started out
in life with nothing to aid him but his determined purpose to succeed,
his ability, his integrity and his moral worth. He deserved financial
success, and attained it far beyond any man who ever at any time
claimed Norway for his home. He died in Philadelphia following an
operation at a hospital, April 24, 1921. Dr. Thompson constructed a
beautiful mausoleum in Pine Grove Cemetery in which his ashes
repose with those of his lamented son. He donated the bell for the
Universalist church here, and would have given instead a chime of
bells, which we think a great mistake of the parish officers, and vol¬
untarily gave such encouragement and aid, for the production of this
work as to make its publication possible and free from obligations
of any kind.
William H. Whitcomb.
William H. Whitcomb was born in Bethel, April 24, 1840. He mar¬
ried Iva Tenney Hatch. He was a student at Gould’s Academy and
came to Norway when he was thirteen and completed his academical
education at the Norway Liberal Institute. He was in business here
for many years and one of the leading citizens of the village and town.
For several years he was chairman of the board of selectmen and
served a term in the Legislature. Mainly through his efforts, the
Norway Water Works was built. He was president of the company
from its organization in 1887 to his death. He was the chief pro¬
moter and largest stockholder in the Norway Building Association,
which built the Opera House block. He died at Philadelphia, the re¬
sult of a surgical operation, March 13, 1907.
The following is a partial list (all the author can recall) of the
young men and women not otherwise sketched, who have gone away
from Norway and acquired in other towns and states, noteworthy if
not eminent success:
Henry H. Andrews, son of David S. Andrews. Banker and business
man, Callaway, Neb.
Mary D. Beal, daughter of D. Webster Beal. Teacher of shorthand
and typewriting. Owner and manager of Beal’s Business Col¬
lege in Bangor. Retired, 1922.
Washington Allan Bartlett, grandson of William Bartlett the
Rev. soldier. Admiral in U. S. Navy.*
*Deceased.
216
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Fred E. Boothby, Mayor of Portland and Waterville, and long con¬
nected with Maine Central Railroad Co.*
Dr. Marcus F. Brooks, dentist, Portland. He had the poetic fac¬
ulty in a marked degree.*
Lt. Sumner W. Burnham, Civil War soldier. Farmer and business
man, and founder of Burnham; Co. treasurer. Member of the
Legislature at Lincoln, Neb.*
Richard E. Clement, teacher and educator. Candidate for Congress,
Elizabeth, N. J.*
Dr. Charles E. Cragin, physician and surgeon, Portland.
Wm. H. Deering, eminent lawyer of New Orleans, La.*
Arthur E. Denison, lawyer, banker and business man, Mass.*
Geo. F. Evans, inventor and manufacturer, Mechanic Falls and Mass.
Dr. Warren R. Evans, dentist and inventor, Portland.*
Dr. Winnie Foster, physician, Oakland, Cal.
Jeff C. Gallison, printer and writer, Franklin, Mass.*
J. Frank Gibson, banker and business man, Visalia, Cal.
Fred H. Gibson, teacher, traveler, and Mun. Court Judge, Cloverdale,
Cal.
Dexter A. Hawkins, eminent lawyer, New York City.*
James Lewis Hatch, printer and editorial writer, Charleston, S. C.*
Frank H. Howe, business man. Member of Legislature, Mass.
Dora Kerwin, teacher and educator, Honolulu, Sand. Is.
Hannibal I. Kimball, promoter and great business manager, At¬
lanta, Ga.*
Bertrand G. McIntire, business man, sheriff, ch. State Board Valua¬
tion, candidate for Governor and member of Congress; Vice-
President Federal Land Bank. Waterford and Norway.
Leslie E. McIntire, high grade farmer, member of Legislature; Pres¬
ident Oxford Co. Agricultural Society. Waterford.
Robert N. Millett, college graduate, teacher, Vermont.
Gen. Benj. B. Murray, Civil War Sol.; Adjt. General of Maine;
Com’r to Great Britain to sell U. S. bonds. Pembroke.*
Dr. Harry H. N evers, physician and surgeon, Lawrence, Mass.
Luther F. Pingree, inventor, Mexican War veteran, prominent in
the old militia. Cape Elizabeth.*
Herbert L. Russell, college graduate and teacher, New York.*
Walter L. Sanborn, college graduate, printer and editor. Penn.
Dr. Geo. H. Shedd, physician and surgeon, North Conway, N. H.*
Ezra T. Shedd, successful merchant, Chicago, Ill.*
Sidney I. Smith, distinguished educator in Yale College.*
J. Orin Smith, lawyer, Presque Isle, Auburn.*
*Deceased.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
217
218
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Rev. Chas. R. Tenney, D.D., Universalist clergyman, Mass. He re¬
cently had conferred upon him by Tufts College the degree of
Doctor of Divinity — an honor only one other son of Norway has
attained.
Frank Elmer Thompson, son of Dr. Albert Thompson, developed
great capacity as a business manager, lumber dealer and mine
operator, Davis, W. Va.*
Frank T. True, city treasurer and member city government for many
years, Council Bluffs, la. By his management that city had paid
up all its indebtedness before he died.*
Elijah Upton, printer and editor, Bath.*
Harry Rust Virgin, lawyer, member of Legislature, President Maine
Senate. Portland.
Verne M. Whitman, college graduate, teacher, singer. Laconia, N. H.
Frank C. Whitehouse, paper manufacturer and great business man¬
ager, Topsham.*
Charles T. Witt, successful business man, member of Legislature.
East Boston, Mass.*
*Deceased.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
2 lit
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Norway Lawyers.
Luther Farrar.
Luther Farrar from Guildhall, Vt., born about 1778, was the first
lawyer to practice his profession in Norway. He came in 1804, and
purchased the lot, on the northeast side of Main Street, on which Wil¬
liam Gardner had built a dwelling house but did not long occupy,
reconstructed the house and built an office near it, which he and his
successor used for a law office for sixty years. The next year he
married Miss Mercy A. Whiting of New Ipswich, N. H., who was
about six years his junior. Mr. Farrar was a young man of pleasing
address and winning ways. Both were very popular with the citizens
of the town. They had two children who died in infancy. Mr. Farrar
was the first Norway citizen to represent the town in the Mass. Legis¬
lature. He was re-elected several times. He was the ideal village
lawyer. Unfortunately he contracted consumption and died March
28, 1812, “aged 34.”
Levi Whitman.
The successor of the lamented Luther Farrar was Levi Whitman,
a cousin of Ezekiel Whitman the first Chief Justice of the Common
Pleas Court and the third Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court
of Maine. Mr. Whitman was a graduate of Harvard, class of 1808,
read law in the office of his cousin in Portland, and settled in Norway
in 1811. His father was Rev. Levi Whitman of Bridgewater, Mass.,
and he was born at Wellfleet, Jan. 16, 1789, where his father was
then preaching. On first coming here he went into the office of
Luther Farrar as assistant on account of the poor health of Mr. Far¬
rar, and on his death, the next year, succeeded him in the practice
of the law, and afterwards married his widow. He was first a fed¬
eralist, later a national republican and still later a free soiler. In
1813 he was elected as representative to the Mass. Legislature and
three times re-elected. He was at one time a candidate for Congress
but was beaten by a very small majority. Mr. Whitman was ap¬
pointed County Attorney in 1815 and served with distinction in that
office for eighteen years. He was a large-sized man of imposing
bearing and agreeable manners and of universal respect. Judge Wm.
Wirt Virgin in his centennial address paid him a great tribute as a
lawyer, citizen and good man. He died in Harrison at his son’s,
Francis H. Whitman’s, Oct. 2, 1872, and was buried in Rustfield ceme¬
tery beside his wife, who had died ten years previously.
Wm. Wirt Virgin.
William Wirt Virgin, son of Peter C. Virgin, a practicing lawyer
at Rumford, where he was born Sept. 18, 1823. He graduated at
Bowdoin, class of 1844, read law with his father, admitted to the Ox¬
ford Bar in 1847 and the next year settled in Norway in the practice
of the law. He served afterwards as County Attorney, member of the
State Senate of which he was President, Captain of the Norway Light
Infantry, Major-General in the State militia, Colonel of the 23rd Me.,
220
HISTORY OF NORWAY
ft
ALFRED S. KIMBALL LEV1 WHITMAN
in the War of the Rebellion, Reporter of Decisions and Justice of the
Supreme Judicial Court from 1873 to his death during his 3rd term,
Jan. 28, 1893. He married in 1851, Sarah H., daughter of Horatio
G. Cole. They had one son, Harry Rust Virgin, born Aug. 25, 1854,
who is a practicing attorney in Portland. He has served in the Sen¬
ate of Maine and has been its President. Mrs. Virgin died in Portland
after 1915. For nearly a score of years while living in Norway, he
was the most influential citizen in town. Judge Virgin was by far
the ablest lawyer who has ever practiced in Norway.
Henry Upton.
Henry Upton is the only man born in the town of Norway who
practiced the law business here. He was the son of Amos Upton and
grandson of Amos Upton, Sen., the pioneer at Fuller’s Corner and
Soldier of the Revolution. He was born Feb. 6, 1813, and married
Harriet F. Baker of Waterford. He was an old school teacher for
many years in his section and adjoining towns. When well advanced
in life he read law and was admitted to the Bar, and for seveial years
was a partner of Judge Virgin under the law title of Virgin & Upton.
He conducted no cases in court, but took charge of probate matters,
obtaining pensions, collecting small debts and conveyancing. He died
Sept. 5, 1892.
Moses B. Bartlett.
Moses Barbour Bartlett, son of Barbour, and grandson of Moses
Bartlett, was born in Bethel, July 12, 1818. He manied Sarah E.
Thompson of Brunswick. They had a son, Edward L., two years
old when the census of 1850 in Norway was taken. He settled here in
the practice of the law in 1847 or 1848. He acquired also an interest
in the local newspaper plant in 1851 and began publishing the papei
under the old name of The Norway Advertiser, but soon sold out to
Col. George W. Millett and removed to Waterford. From there he
went to Kansas and finally to Florida, where we lose track of him.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
221
Chas. C. Sanderson.
Charles C. Sanderson was a native of Sweden. He married Al-
meda McWaine of Waterford. He was in Norway in the practice of
the law in the early sixties and may have settled here in the fifties.
Mr. Sanderson was connected with the woolen mill industry and was
one of the chief promoters of the Norway Savings Bank and one of
its trustees. He was the principal factor in bringing the robbers of
this bank to justice as elsewhere related. Some years later he re¬
moved to Massachusetts and died at Dedham, Aug. 23, 1905. His
daughter, Ella A., b. about 1853, was a great favorite with all classes
while the family lived here. She marrid Edwin A. Chase of Paris
Hill, b. May 26, 1851. They settled in Dedham.
Henry M. Bearce.
Henry Merrill Bearce, youngest child of Daniel and grandson of
Gideon, a Rev. Soldier, and Lucy (Bucknam) Bearce of Halifax,
Mass., and Hebron, Me., was born in the latter town, April 30, 1838.
He married Francis F., daughter of Gen. Wm. K. Kimball, b. Paris
Hill, Mar. 11, 1844. He was an officer in the Civil War and was
taken prisoner at the Mine Explosion in front of Petersburg, Va., in
the summer of 1864. He settled in Norway in the practice of the law
in 1866 in company with Charles C. Sanderson. Mr. Bearce was hon¬
ored with town office, postmaster, treasurer of the Norway Savings
Bank and member of both branches of the Legislature. He died in
the summer of 1894. His wife had died several years previously and
his only daughter, Frances Henry, born Feb. 11, 1875 — shortly before
he did, while a student at Colby University.
Charles F. Whitman.
Charles F. Whitman was born in Buckfield, February 6, 1848. He
married M. Addie Dinsmore of Norway. Fitted for college at Hebron
Academy and Bates Latin School, Lewiston; taught school, read law
in office of Sullivan C. Andrews; admitted to practice in 1868. Settled
first at Mechanic Falls in 1869. Removed to Buckfield in 1871. Set¬
tled in Norway in 1873. School Supervisor, Trial Justice, first Judge
of the Norway Municipal Court, 10 years, Clerk of the Courts for 20
years, memorial speaker, originator of Norway Public Library and
Municipal Court. Story and local history writer; one of authors of
the Buckfield History and author of this work.
Silas H. Burnham.
Silas H. Burnham, son of Sumner Burnham, born in Harrison,
formed a partnership with Henry M. Bearce about 1873, under the
title of Bearce & Burnham. He was here in business a few years
when he went West and settled in Lincoln, Nebraska, where for many
years he has been connected with one of the National Banks of that
city and other financial institutions and has become one of the leading
moneyed men of the place. He married a Southern lady and they
have one or more children.
222
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Seward S. Stearns.
Seward S. Stearns was born in Lovell, March 11, 1856. He was a
graduate of Bowdoin, class of ’79, read law with Judge A. Hall Walker
of Bridgton, admitted to practice in 1882 and settled first at Water¬
ford but came to Norway the next year and formed a partnership
with Henry M. Bearce under the firm name of Bearce & Stearns. He
married, 1, Miss Nellie B. Russell; 2, Mary Jordan. He was one of
the promoters of the Norway Public Library. Was Sec.-Treas. of
the Norway Savings Bank and was Judge of Probate for this county
at the time of his death, Aug. 9, 1899.
Charles E. Holt.
Charles E. Holt was born in Fryeburg, March 11, 1835. He mar¬
ried Lavinia B. Ames. He was educated at the Fryeburg and Bridg¬
ton Academies, read law in the office of Maj. David R. Hastings, was
admitted to the Bar in 1861, and began practice at Denmark. In 1873
he moved to Bethel where he was in practice with Samuel F. Gibson
for two years. In 1877 he moved to Norway, where he later formed
partnerships with Alvah Black, Alfred S. Kimball and Charles P.
Barnes. He served one year as chairman of the board of selectmen.
He died March 9, 1911.
Alfred S. Kimball.
Born in Waterford Dec. 20, 1842, Alfred S. Kimball received his
higher education at North Bridgton Academy. He read law with
Thomas J. Bridgham. On being admitted to practice in 1864, he
opened an office at Waterford Flat. At once he took high rank in his
profession. He held all the principal offices in his town, served three
years in the Legislature of the State, and was a member of the com¬
mission in 1878 to investigate charges of fraudulent voting in Aroos¬
took county. He served awhile as Deputy Collector of Internal Reve¬
nue and afterwards as Appraiser in the Portland Custom House for
one term. For several years he was the representative from- Maine in
the U. S. Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows. For a period before his
death he was President of the Board of Trustees of the Norway
Savings Bank. In capacity as a lawyer he ranks next to Judge
Virgin, among those who have practiced in Norway. He married in
1866, Miss Florence A. Houghton of Waterford. He died April 12,
1915, highly respected by all classes of citizens.
Merton L. Kimball.
Merton L. Kimball was born in Waterford, March 18, 1867;
fitted for Bowdoin at North Bridgton Academy and graduated there
in 1887. He read law in his father’s office, and being admitted to
practice formed a partnership with his father under the name and
style of Kimball & Son. He was Supt. of Schools from 1889 to 1891.
He served in Co. D, 1st Me. in War with Spain, and held an important
office under the U. S. Government for several years in the Portland
Custom House.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
223
Eugene F. Smith.
Eugene F. Smith was born in Fryeburg, Jan. 7, 1859. Fitted for
college at South Paris High School, entered Bates but did not stay
long enough to graduate. Graduated from the Albany, N. Y. School
of Law with the degree of LL.B. in 1886. Admitted to practice in
1887, and settled in Norway. Member of S. S. Committee, Chairman
Board of Selectmen for three years, Trustee of Public Library, Cen¬
sus Enumerator 1900, County Attorney for two terms, Lieut. Colonel
in the National Guard of Maine, and Aide de Camp on Governor’s
Staff in Spanish War.
Albert J. Stearns.
Albert J. Stearns was born in Lovell, Oct. 8, 1873. Graduated at
North Bridgton Academy in 1893. Special course at Boston Uni¬
versity School of Law. Married Miss Alice M. Wheeler in 1900.
Read law in the office of Judge Stearns and was admitted to practice
COL. A. J. STEARNS
224
HISTORY OF NORWAY
in 1897. Served in Co. D in War with Spain. Promoted Lieutenant.
Appointed Colonel on Governor Fernald’s staff. Chairman of Board
of Selectmen three years. Appointed State Prison Inspector. Served
in both branches of the Legislature. Delegate to Rep. Nat. convention
of 1920. Member Rep. State Committee, 1922.
Herrick C. Davis.
Herrick C. Davis was born in Woodstock. He married Lucy M.
Felt. Admitted to the Bar in 1862 at Auburn, he opened an office at
Bryant Pond where he was in practice for ten years, during which
time he was elected to the principal town offices. In 1872 he was
elected Register of Probate, a position he held for twenty years, and
resided on Paris Hill. On the resignation, in 1894, of Judge Whitman
of the Norway Municipal Court to fill the office of Clerk of the
Supreme Judicial Court to which he had been elected, Mr. Davis was
appointed to fill the vacancy. He held the office by successive ap¬
pointments for 12 years. The duties of his office precluded the gen¬
eral practice of the law. He was seriously injured in 1902 by being
knocked down and run over by a frightened horse. He died, Feb. 13,
1910, “aged 84.”
WM. F. JONES
Wm. F. Jones.
William Frost Jones, born at Boston, Mass., April 5, 1871. Eldest
son of Otis N. Jones- and Katherine H. (Frost) Jones. A graduate
of the Boston Latin School, class of 1888, and Harvard College, A.B.,
1892. Located in Norway, Maine, in 1894, and was admitted to the
Bar here in 1898. Practiced in Norway since admission. In 1895-6
member of School Board and Superintendent of Schools. Is now
HISTORY OF NORWAY
225
(1922) Chairman of the Norway School Committee and of the Union
School Board of Norway, Waterford and Oxford. In 1906 was ap¬
pointed Judge of Norway Municipal Court and has been reappointed
three times. Is Vice-President and Counsel of Norway Savings Bank.
President and Manager of the Norway Building Association. Is
Treasurer of Norway Pine Grove Cemetery Corporation and Treas¬
urer of Norway Public Library. Is a member of the Portland Club
of Portland, Me., and of the Harvard Club of Boston, Mass.
Wilfred G. Con ary.
Wilfred G. Conary, b. Sept. 10, 1889, at Bluehill, Hancock County,
Me. Graduate of Bluehill Academy, 1906. Principal, Baring High
School, 1906-7. LL.B. Univ. of Maine, 1911. Admitted at Penobscot
Co. Bar, 1911. Practiced law at Bucksport and Millinocket, 1911-17.
U. S. Army, 1917. 2d Lieut. Field Art. 1919. Capt. 103d Infy., Nor¬
way, 1921. Came to Norway, January, 1920. Town clerk, 1921-3.
Married, 1912, Hazel E. Butters of Millinocket; ch., Elizabeth Hazel,
b. Mar. 22, 1914; Wilfred G., Jr., b. February 22, 1916.
Other lawyers who have practiced here for short periods are
William A. Evans, Asa Barton, Jesse Warren, Wm. W. Gallagher and
Charles P. Barnes. The latter served two terms as County Attorney.
The first law student to be admitted to practice in the Court of Com-
COL. E. F. SMITH
I
226
HISTORY OF NORWAY
mon Pleas, was Henry Farwell, in 1807. He had read law in the
office of Luther Farrar. He married Sarah, daughter of the first
Henry Rust to settle in Norway. Farwell rose to be Brig.-General
in the old militia. He began the practice of the law at Buckfield but
later removed to Dixfield.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
227
CHAPTER XXXV.
Norway Physicians.
The list of physicians who have practiced medicine in Norway is
a very long one, and the greater number of them, having stayed here
but a short time, and left no posterity or remarkable deeds to dis-
tingunsh them, have today but little interest for the general reader.
Morris Shannon.
A physician by the name of Shannon is said to have been the first
of the medical profession to settle in Norway. When he came, where
he located, how long he remained and what became of him, are all
matters for conjecture. No person by the name of Shannon was on
any tax list which has survived the lapse of time, but on the petition
for the formation of the Universalist Society at Norway, March, 1799,
is the name of Morris Shannon — probably the physician.
Alfred Barrett.
Doctor Barrett is said to have been the second physician to settle
here. He was in Norway to be taxed in 1800. There all information
relating to him ends. Doubtless he soon thereafter went away.
John Case.
A John Case’s name appears on the tax list of 1801. Another
John Case appears on the tax list two years later. The latter prob¬
ably was the physician and landlord at the Samuel Smith house in the
village in 1801. He was not a success at conducting a public house,
and it may be a poor physician. His stay in Norway was short.
A physician by the name of Heath appears on the tax lists of
1802. A Doctor Swett is said to have succeeded him, but no man by
that name appears on any tax list that has^ome down to us.
Moses Ayer.
Moses Ayer was a tax-payer in Norway in 1805 — coming to town
probably the year before. He bought and resided on the place now
owned by Dr. Charles A. Stephens, near Norway Lake village. He
was in the practice of his profession here for about twenty years.
Removed to Sangerville, about 1824. He died at the hospital for the
insane at Augusta in 1847.
John S. French.
A skilful surgeon — the first mentioned by David Noyes — by the
name of French appears to have been the successor of Moses Ayer.
About 1825, he performed two critical operations — one on a child of
David Noyes for blindness (cataract removed), and the other the
amputation of a leg of Phinehas Whitney, the Revolutionary soldier,
then in his 75th year — both successful. Whitney survived the opera¬
tion five years. Of Doctor French, Mr. Noyes in his history says:
“I speak well of the surgeon’s skill, but no further.” So we are left
to surmise that the Doctor’s moral character was not what it should
228
HISTORY OF NORWAY
have been. And this Doctor French is not the only one among those
who have practiced medicine in Norway whose character would not
bear very close inspection. And this is true also of some of the
lawyers and other professional men. When the shortcomings of such
men in professional life, are condoned in church or community, and
even selected for positions of trust and prominence, the high standard
which should be kept to be above reproach, must necessarily be greatly
lowered. A blameless life especially in public men is priceless.
Asa Danforth.
Asa Danforth came here from his native Tyngsboro in 1821,
at the age of twenty-five. His first call was at Daniel Smith s to
treat his youngest son, Sebastian S., a youngster, about two and
a half years old. The new physician had a quiet, pleasant way, that
won the hearts of old and young, and his practice increased by leaps
and bounds and extended into all the country around. He married
Abigail C. Reed, the oldest child of Wm. Reed, one of the leading and
most influential men in the village. He served one term in the Maine
Legislature. . . ...
Asa Danforth was the ideal country physician. Gen. Virgin m
his address at the centennial celebration of the town, named him as
one of the three men especially whom he had known and revered while
a resident here. Doctor Danforth’s practice extended over a period
of more than half a century. He died June 16, 1883.
Jonathan S. Millett.
A native son of Norway was Jonathan Sawyer Millett, born Oct.
6, 1794. He married 1, Mary Parsons; 2, Sarah R. Parsons, daugh¬
ters of Dea. William Parsons. He studied medicine in the office of
Dr. Jacob Tewksbury, at Oxford village, and took his degree of
M.D. at the Dartmouth, N. H. Medical School. He began the practice
of his profession at Norway in 1826, and was very successful, particu¬
larly in chronic cases. His hard drives and exposure in all kinds of
weather undermined his health. He died May 5, 1866.
Nathaniel Grant.
Nathaniel Grant appears to have become a taxpayer here in 1830.
He began his practice at Fuller’s Corner. He married Charlotte S.,
oldest child of William Hobbs, the first trader at Norway Center.
He soon removed to New Hampshire.
Thomas Roberts.
The successor of Doctor Grant at Fuller’s Corner was Thomas
Roberts, who was on the tax list of 1831, for the first time. He had
been a student in the office of Dr. Jonathan S. Millett. In a shoit
time Doctor Roberts removed to Rumford.
Leander S. Tripp.
Leander S. Tripp, son of Elder John Tripp of Hebron, appears to
have been the successor of Doctor Roberts at Fuller s Corner, about
HISTORY OF NORWAY
229
DR. B. F. BRADBURY
IVAN STAPLES. M.D.
DR. CALVIN E. EVANS
DR. H. L. BARTLETT
230
HISTORY OF NORWAY
DR. O. N. BRADBURY
HISTORY OF NORWAY
231
1836. He was a graduate of Waterville College and the Maine Medi¬
cal School. “He remained at North Norway only two years.” He
afterwards was a preacher and settled in Surry.
Jesse Howe.
Doctor Jesse Howe, born April 11, 1816, married Rebecca Gibson.
Was a student at the Westbrook Seminary, and in the office of Dr.
Jonathan S. Millett. He graduated at the Maine Medical School in
1840. He began practice at Patten, removing to Norway in 1850.
Doctor Howe was an exemplary citizen whom all that knew him
loved and respected. He suffered a long illness and died Feb. 25, 1873.
Calvin E. Evans.
Dr. Calvin E. Evans was born in Sweden, March 16, 1841. He
graduated at North Bridgton Academy and the Maine Medical School.
He began practice in Norway about 1864. He was very successful,
and probably the most skilful surgeon who has ever practiced his
profession in Norway. He was twice married: 1, to Angelia M. Rich¬
ardson; 2, to Lillian J. Downer. Children: by 1st w., Alice, b. Sept. 30,
1870; by 2d w., Ida May, b. May 19, 1884, d. Mar. 15, 1885. He died
Dec. 30, 1887.
Wm. H. Jewett.
Doctor Jewett was born in Sweden, April 6, 1848. He was a
graduate of North Bridgton Academy and the Maine Medical School.
He began practice in Norway and soon acquired a large number of
patients. He married Miss Nellie A. True. He died at Augusta
while attending a session of the Legislature, Mar. 9, 1880.
Andrew M. Peables.
Doctor Peables came to Norway from Waterford about 1869. He
had a large practice here, but four years later removed to Auburn,
where he became eminent in his profession.
Willard C. George.
Doctor George was born in Norway, May 24, 1812. He early
learned the printer’s trade here and in Portland and Boston. In the
latter city for a period he published a small newspaper. About 1838
he became a Universalist preacher, and had pastorates at Dresden and
at St. Stephen, N. B. He quit the ministry and determined to take
up the practice of medicine. He went to Europe about 1850, and
spent four months in the city hospitals of Paris. Returning home
after a year abroad he attended medical lectures at the Maine Medical
School and the Eclectic School of Medicine at Worcester, Mass., and
graduated from the latter institution. He began practice at St.
Stephen, where he met with marked success. He returned to Nor¬
way about 1865, broken down in health, and died four years after,
Oct. 3, 1869. His wife was Ruth Damon of Wiscasset. Their 2d
daughter, Susan Damon, b. at St. Stephen, Sept. 19, 1843, married
Dr. Fred E. Crockett, an eclectic physician, born in Norway. They
removed to West Newton, Mass. Mrs. George died at Somerville,
Mass., Dec. 28, 1900, “aged 86.”
232
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Augustus N. French.
Doctor French was born in the northwestern part of Norway, June
21, 1845. He graduated at the Norway Liberal Institute, was a stu¬
dent in the office of Dr. A. M. Peables and graduated at the Maine
Medical School in 1871. He began practice in Lovell village, where
he resided till 1885, when he moved to Norway. He served as School
Supervisor for several years. He acquired here a good practice.
Doctor French died Jan. 30, 1908.
Clifford L. Pike.
Dr. Clifford L. Pike was born in Sweden, Feb. 21, 1859. After
graduating at North Bridgton Academy and the Maine Medical
School, he came to Norway in the autumn of 1881, and purchased the
residence and business of Dr. Osgood N. Bradbury. Two years later
he married Miss Cora F. Plummer of Sweden, born June 6, 1860.
Both took great interest in music and sang in church and were very
popular. Doctor Pike had a literary turn and wrote some commend¬
able poetry. He acquired a good practice here, but after some years
removed to Saco into a more promising field, where he died about
1920. He compiled a Pike genealogy. With sufficient hospital prac¬
tice, he might have been a very skillful surgeon.
Osgood N. Bradbury.
Doctor Bradbury was born in Norway, Oct. 28, 1828. He began
life for himself as a school teacher. He went to California during
the excitement caused by the discovery of gold, and participated in
some of the stirring events of that period in San Francisco and the
mines. Returning, he settled in Springfield, Me., and married Miss
Ellen R. Scribner. While a resident of Springfield he represented
the town in both branches of the Legislature. Doctor Bradbury was
appointed surgeon in 1864 at Camp Keyes, Augusta, where many
Maine soldiers from the battlefields of the Wilderness Campaign and
Petersburg were treated and cared for. In the latter part of 1865
he took charge of the U. S. Post Hospital in Augusta, a position he
held as long as an army hospital was needed there. He later returned
to Norway and practiced here and on Paris Hill. In the nineties he
wrote “Norway in the Forties,” for the local paper — a series of
sketches very entertaining and of great value for their mention of
local historical events and family statistics. Dr. Bradbury was also a
good speaker as well as a good writer. He was beyond question the
literary genius among Norway physicians. He died Jan. 22, 1897.
f
Frank H. Tilton.
Doctor Tilton was born at Great Falls, N. H., July 2, 1856. Grad¬
uated at the Medical Department of the University of Vermont in
1879; settled in Norway the same year and married Miss Fannie
P. Small of Lewiston, who was a native of Norway. He was here
in practice some ten years and removed to Massachusetts. Two chil¬
dren were born in Norway, Winona L., June 18, 1880, and Celia, Jan.
30, 1885.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
233
Servilla A. Bennett.
Dr. Servilla A. Bennett, b. Norway, Sept. 27, 1829. Student in
office of Dr. Jonathan S. Millett; m. Susan H. Willis of Minot; settled
in Now Portland. Asst. Surgeon 20th Me. Returned to Norway
about 1900. Died Sept. 19, 1908.
B. Frank Bradbury.
Dr. Bial Francisco Bradbury, son of Dr. Osgood N. and Ellen
R. (Scribner) Bradbury, was born in Springfield, where his parents
then resided, Feb. 5, 1861. Though having first seen the light of day
in another town he has always been regarded as a Norway boy. He
acquired his education in the common and high schools, and his medi¬
cal education in his father’s office and the Medical Department of the
Southern University at Atlanta, Georgia. He began practice in Nor¬
way in 1888. He bought that year the Lucius Denison place. Doctor
Bradbury served for a long period as surgeon in the Maine militia
with rank of Captain and Major. Was president of the U. S. Board
of Examining Surgeons; was Brigade Surgeon with the rank of Lieut. -
Colonel in the War with Spain. Served a period as U. S. Surgeon in
the Soldiers’ Home at Togus and on the outbreak of the Great World
W ar went to Germany in the service of the Red Cross. He is still
(1923) in the successful practice of his profession in Norway.
Herman L. Bartlett.
Doctor Bartlett was born at East Stoneham, Oct. 17, 1867. His
father was Hon. Jonathan Bartlett, one of the best of men and
truest friends that ever lived. During the greater part of his life, he
was the mainstay and father of the little community in which he
lived. Such a life is beyond all calculation. His good wife, too, was
a great helpmeet and loved by all who knew her. Dr. Bartlett gradu¬
ated at the Maine Medical School and began practice in Norway. He
married Miss Edith M. Stearns of Lovell, a sweet dispositioned and
intellectual woman. She had been a school teacher in the Norway
grammar school. They have raised a fine family of children. Doctor
Bartlett for many years held the position of County Medical Exam¬
iner. He died July 20, 1923.
Frank N. Barker.
Dr. Frank Newton Barker b. Rumford, Nov. 8, 1854, graduated
at North Bridgton Academy and Medical School University of
Vermont. Located in Norway in 1889. Acquired a large practice
but died Dec. 10, 1914. He married Dec. 19, 1885, Miss Gertrude
Holden of Oxford. 3 ch. — Genevieve, b. Apr. 7, 1891; Hubert, b. July,
1893, dentist in Portland; Margery L., b. Jan. 27, 1895.
L. H. Trufant.
Dr. L. H. Trufant came here from Lewiston in 1907, purchased
and occupied the brick building on Main Street formerly owned by
Dr. Asa Danforth. He was in practice of his profession here for
about a dozen years, when he sold out and went away.
234
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Ivan W. Staples.
Dr. Ivan W. Staples was born in Limerick, Oct. 27, 1883. His
parents were Freeman and Luella A. (Pike) Staples. He is a mem¬
ber of the Small family of America. The English emigrant ancestor
was Francis Small who came to Massachusetts a few years after the
Pilgrims founded Plymouth. Dr. Staples is connected with the Pikes
of Bridgton. He married Eunice A., daughter of Josiah M. and
Sarah E. (Lane) Hobbs of Biddeford, b. Jan. 27, 1883. He is a
graduate of Limerick Academy, class of 1902, and Bowdoin Medical
School, 1909, and began practice that year. In 1919 he purchased the
stand and practice of Dr. L. Hall Trufant in Norway village. He is
at present (1923) a member of the U. S. Board of Pension Exam¬
iners, which is located here.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
235
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Norway Newspaper Men.
Asa Barton, born about 1794 in Hanover, in this county, settled
on Paris Hill about 1821 and opened a book store there. Three years
later he began the publication of the Oxford Observer at the county
seat. It was national republican in politics and supported John
Quincy Adams that year and also four years later for President of
the United States. This was distasteful to the resident county offi¬
cers there, who were enthusiastic admirers and followers of' Gen
Andrew Jackson, the hero of the battle of New Orleans. Mr. Barton
didn’t propose to conduct the paper to please them and determined to
move his press and his business to Norway where he would have a
better place for his book store and bp more free to express his political
sentiments through his newspaper. In 1826 he carried out his pur¬
pose and located in Norway Village. The material for printing his
paper was moved from Paris Hill in the night time. Great was the
suipiise and chagrin of the people there, the next morning to find
that Mr. Barton and his newspaper had gone to Norway, where the
leading citizens were as delighted at having a newspaper in the vil¬
lage as the Paris Hill people were disappointed at losing it.
ASA BARTON
Mr. Barton appears to have found a congenial atmosphere here,
both socially and politically, and prospered in business. Three years'
later, General Jackson having succeeded John Quincy Adams as Pres¬
ident of the United States, Barton sold his interest in the Oxford
Observer to William Goodenow, “a practical printer” who had come
here from Claremont, N. H. in 1829. Three years afterwards, he
changed the name of the paper to the Politician, with William A.
Evans as editor. In 1833, Horatio King of Paris who had bought the
plant moved the establishment with the Jeffersonian, a democratic
236
HISTORY OF NORWAY
newspaper printed at Paris Hill, to Portland. The Politician was a
whig paper. The removal of the Politician to Portland left Norway
without a newspaper and Asa Barton started the Oxford Oracle.
In about two months he sold out and the paper was taken to Paris
Hill and changed to the Oxford Democrat — the principal owner of
which being George W. Millett, born in Norway, who had learned the
printer’s trade under Goodenow in the Oxford Observer office.
In 1844 Ira Berry and Francis Blake, Jr., commenced the publica¬
tion of the Norway Advertiser. At the end of two years it passed
into the hands of Edwin Plummer who “made a good family paper
of it.” In 1848, the paper was under the management of Cyrus W.
Brown of Waterford, who became a resident and tax payer here that
year. His brother, Charles F. Brown, afterwards a famous wit un¬
der the name of “Artemus Ward,” was employed in the office. Cyrus
W. Brown had acquired an interest in the Advertiser through Francis
H. Whitman, son of Levi Whitman, the village lawyer, and a cousin
by marriage of Brown’s mother. Dr. Lapham says in the Centennial
History of Norway that Brown sold to Thomas Witt, and Witt to
Rev. T. J. Tenney, but took it back after one issue of the paper and
then sold it to Mark H. Dunnell who had come here in 1850 to take
charge of the Norway Liberal Institute as principal. But Mr.
Dunnell himself in a communication to the Advertiser, a few years
before his death in Minnesota, told a somewhat different story.
It appears from Dunnell’s statement that the elder Brown had an in¬
terest in the newspaper plant that Francis H. Whitman was desirous
of getting for him an equivalent. It was shown to him, he stated,
that under his management the paper would be a financial success and
would give him great prestige with the people and promote his politi¬
cal advancement, and would not interfere with his duties as principal
of the school. A list of names of some thousand subscribers was
shown him, and when Horatio G. Cole and Mark P. Smith, two influen¬
tial citizens of the village, voluntarily offered financial assistance, the
proposition seemed a good one and it settled the matter in his mind
and the deal was made. Dunnell got married and took the old com¬
positor, whom he afterwards found addicted to drink, his wife and
young Brown, the printer’s devil, into his family as boarders. Dun¬
nell began his career in Norway with high hopes but he soon found
that in the newspaper plant, he had quite a financial elephant on his
hands.
He had taken at the start the unwise advice of changing the name
of the paper to “The Pine State News.” His subscribers fell off, and
stopped the paper. It took considerable ready money to keep the
thing afloat and this he did not have and was greatly embarrassed.
At last the situation he was in, forced the conclusion upon his mind
that he must either give up his school, or throw overboard the news¬
paper. He chose the latter alternative. Dunnell had published the
paper about four months. He discharged his help and shut up the
office and made arrangements for Cole and Smith to take possession
of the material till it could be disposed of and they paid what he owed
them. He lost several hundred dollars out of the affair. Dunnell was
afterwards a member of the Legislature, State Supt. of Schools and
HISTORY OF NORWAY
237
Principal of Hebron Academy. He served awhile after the war broke
out as Colonel of the 5th Me. Regt. He finally settled in Minnesota
and was elected to Congress.
Moses B. Bartlett from Bethel having settled here in the practice
of the law, before Dunnell had ceased to print the paper, came into
the possession of the plant in 1851, but soon disposed of it to Col.
George W. Millett, who began the publication of a paper under the
old name of the Norway Advertiser. At last the paper had fallen
into the hands of a man who thoroughly understood the printing busi¬
ness, and was a good business man. The Advertiser had hitherto been
run as a neutral paper. The Oxford Democrat had gone into the
control of the free soil wing of the party. Colonel Millett started
the paper as an old-line democratic sheet with Rev. Geo. K. Shaw as
editor, and was run as such till soon after the war broke out, when
it was discontinued.
In January, 1872, Simeon Drake, a practical printer from Augusta,
started a third Norway Advertiser which he published for about four
years. The Oxford Register was purchased of Samuel R. Carter of
Paris Hill and consolidated with it under the name of the paper pur¬
chased. It was leased for the Presidential election of 1876 to Paris
parties as a democratic county party organ with Percival J. Parris as
editor, Mr. Drake continuing to be employed in the office. After the
election was decided adversely to the democrats the list of subscribers
was sold to the Lewiston Gazette. Mr. Drake soon after began the
publication of the fourth Norway Advertiser but in the latter part of
1878 sold the plant to the New Religion Publishing Company, with
Rev. J. A. Seitz, pastor of the Universalist Church society, as editor.
This paper was published for some four years when the plant was
removed to North Conway, N. H.
In May of that year (1882) Fred W. Sanborn from Meredith,
N. H., settled in Norway. With Mr. Drake he began the publication
of the fifth Norway Advertiser, in June. The next January he bought
out Mr. Drake’s interest in the paper and has since run it with
the assistance of his very capable wife. Mr. Drake was employed in
the office as long as he lived. It is one of the largest and best local
newspaper plants in New England. There is no better and sharper
business man than Fred W. Sanborn. His wife, Laura A. Sanborn,
is as able as he is. She is an excellent writer and can do anything
about the office that Mr. Sanborn or anyone else can do. (She died
lamented by all who knew her, in 1922, following a serious surgical
operation.)
238
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Norway Authors.
Charles Asbury Stephens, M.D., A.M.
Charles A. Stephens, son of Simon and Harriet (Upton) Stevens,
and great-grandson of Joseph Stevens, a Rev. soldier, pioneer in
Rustfield and foremost citizen of the earliest settlers, was born in
Norway, Oct. 21, 1847. Graduated at Norway Liberal Institute of
which, for a period, he was afterwards principal, and Bowdoin College
in 1869. Began writing sketches and stories for the Youth’s Com¬
panion about 1870. Married April, 1871, Miss Christine, daughter of
Noah 0. and Chloe (Young) Stevens, born Oct. 23, 1846 — died May
22, 1911. Married 2d, Miss Minnie Scalar Plummer, a sweet singer.
In the field of juvenile stories, ^.he has no equal among American
writers. His “Camping Out Series” are in the same class as Mayne
Reid’s “Afloat in the Forest,” and Hayes’ “Cast Away in the Cold,”
and much more attractive to the young people of our country. To
obtain material for his stories and sketches, he has traveled exten¬
sively over the world. He has made for himself an enduring name in
literature.
Among his published writings are: “Camping Out,” “Left on
Labrador,” “Off for the Geysers,” “Lynx Hunting,” “Fox Hunting,”
“On the Amazon,” “The Moose Hunters,” “The Knockabout Club.”
Vols. on Biology, “Living Matter,” “Pluricellular Man,” “Long Life,”
“Natural Salvation,” and “Immortal Life.” The latter he regards
as one of his most important productions. His researches and ex¬
periments in laboratory work in the department of biology, cover a
period of many years and has given him a name among noted
physicists. Other books: “When Life Was Young,” “A Great Year
of Our Lives,” and “A Busy Year at the Old ’Squires.”
Dr. Stephens’ first wife was a second cousin. She had literary
tastes and ability, and wrote several entertaining sketches and stories
for the Youth’s Companion, Golden Days and other publications.
One of her principal productions treats of life among the Eskimos.
Mrs. Minnie Scalar Stephens is the daughter of John F. and Zilpha
Annie (Marshall) Plummer, born on the old Marshall homestead on
High street near West Paris. She is a descendant of Samuel Plum¬
mer and his wife Elizabeth Jewett, who came from Rowley, Mass.,
about 1795, and settled in Waterford. (Mrs. P. “had a fine voice for
singing,” the History of Waterford states.) Also of David and Lucy
(Mason) Marshall, who fled from Bethel to escape capture by the
savages during the Indian raid into that section in 1781. She is the
great-great-granddaughter of Joseph Penley, who when only about
sixteen, according to tradition, was impressed into the English army
against his bitter remonstrances, to fight against the Independence
of the Colonies. He is said to have escaped with a companion situated
like himself, at the first favorable opportunity and joined the Ameri¬
cans. His silhouette may be seen in the genealogies relating to the
Penleys. Elias Monk (a settler in Hebron and a soldier in the Revo¬
lution — pensioned in 1833) was also her ancestor. At nine years of
HISTORY OF NORWAY
239
age she was a teacher of music and shortly after was playing in
church in this vicinity and in Portland. She fitted for college, but
had such a passion for music that it was decided she should go abroad
and receive instruction from some of the masters. She went, staying-
some twelve months in England, France and Holland. A year after
her return she went again — first to Italy, remaining there about a
yeai , then to Paris, where she made her home for eleven years. Her
debut was made at the Royal French Opera House at The Hague,
Holland— Queen Wilhelmina and others of the Queen’s family being
in the royal box. She sang next in Covent Garden, London, then at
Nice on the Mediterranean; at Paris in grand opera, and at various
other places — two seasons being at Covent Garden — during her stay
abroad. Dr. Stephens in dedicating his “Immortal Life” says:
“This book is addressed to all earnest students of Life, and grate¬
fully inscribed to the ‘Sweet Singer,’ who in the midst of her triumphs
in opera, renounced a brilliant public career to aid in making these
1 eseaiches. Except for that generous aid, this exposition of what
we hold to be a scientific renaissance of Christianity would hardly
have appeared.”
Charles F. Brown.
Charles Farrar Brown, son of Levi and Caroline E. (Farrar)
Brown, was born in Waterford, April 26, 1834. His father having
died Dec. 23, 1847, he was apprenticed by his mother to John M. Rix of
Lancaster, N. H., who was the publisher of a weekly newspaper there.
He did not stay long. He had a peculiar physiognomy — sharp feat¬
ures, high cheek bones, long, thin, .hooked nose, and long hair. A pose
accompanied by a serio-comic look was enough to make one laugh. A
cook at his boarding place in Lancaster said that Brown was a
“queernlooking critter.” His mischievous pranks soon made his mas¬
ter determined to get rid of him, and he sent the youngster back to
his mother, with the explanation that the boy required more schooling.
She sent him instead to his brother Cyrus W., in Norway, who was
editing and publishing the Norway Advertiser, in the office of which
he became the “printer’s devil.” Two years later (1850) the paper
plant was sold to Mark H. Dunnell, who had come to Norway as
principal of the Norway Liberal Institute. He retained young Brown
as printer’s devil. After conducting the paper for about four months,
Mr. Dunnell found that it was running him deeply in debt, and
he concluded to stop its publication. The printer’s devil, in a
characteristic manner figured prominently in the closing scenes of
winding up the concern by smuggling some liquor into the office, for
the compositor to find, use and get intoxicated on, upon which Mr.
Dunnell discharged his employees and closed the office for good.
Brown then drifted about in several places as a printer’s journey¬
man, finally landing in Cleveland, Ohio, in the latter part of 1857,
and obtained a position as city editor in the office of the Plain
Dealer. In Jan. 1858, appeared in its columns, his first letter under
the nom de plume of “Artemus Ward,” and he soon found himself
famous. It has been assumed that he meant by this pseudonym to
personate the militia general, Artemas Ward, in command of the
240
HISTORY OF NORWAY
MINNIE SCALAR STEPHENS
DR. C A. STEPHENS
THE LABORATORY
HISTORY OF NORWAY
241
Massachusetts forces at the beginning of the Revolution, whom Gen.
George Washington superseded after the battle of Bunker Hill, as the
author once believed, but this is extremely doubtful. The famous
editor and publisher of the Louisville, Ky., Courier-Journal, Henry
Watterson, is authority for the statement that a strolling showman
using that name, having attracted Brown’s notice, suggested the idea
of using it as a nom de plume and his business as an exhibiter of wax
works, etc. It was a hit or miss affair at first, but on finding that it
took, he kept it up to the end. He once said that the selection of this
nom de plume was purely accidental, not expecting to ever make use
of it but once. This seems to be the correct version of the matter, but
if he wished to personate any one of that name but the showman, it
must have been Gen. Artemas Ward, who was all the one of that
name who ever had anything whatever to do with the township of
Waterford or its settlement, and he only as a member of a committee
of the Legislature.
Charles F. Brown became one of the greatest of American humor¬
ists. He went to (palifornia in 1863 and before returning to the East
visited the Mormons at Salt Lake City. In 1866 he crossed the ocean
to London, and was received there in literary circles with great en¬
thusiasm. His short stay in London was a continued triumph. He
claimed to have made enough from his lectures to give him a com¬
petency but after his death little comparatively of his earnings re¬
mained. He died at Southampton, England, Mar. 6, 1867, and his
remains were brought to South Waterford and buried in the family
lot there. Among his productions are: “Artemus Ward, His Book;”
“Artemus Ward, Among the Mormons;” “Artemus Ward, His
Travels,” and “Artemus Ward in London.”
Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, D.D.
Sylvanus Cobb, the son of Ebenezer Cobb, the Norway pioneer and
Revolutionary soldier, was born July 17, 1798, on his father’s farm
in the south part of the town. Among his early teachers was Rev.
Noah Cressey, who did so much for the educational interests of Nor¬
way. He taught his first school when he was eighteen years of age.
He began studying for the ministry with Rev. Sebastian Streeter of
Portsmouth, N. H., in 1820, and preached his first sermon that year,
in Rev. Mr. Streeter’s church, and in the autumn he took a mission¬
ary tour to the Universalist churches of the state. In 1821 he taught
school in his native town, and the same year accepted a call from the
society in Waterville. The next year he married Miss Eunice Hale
Wait of Hallowell. He remained in Waterville, where his distin¬
guished son was born, till 1828, and while there twice represented the
town in the State Legislature. He removed to Malden, Mass., and was
pastor of his church society there some nine years and twice during
that time was a member of the General Court in Boston. In 1839 he
began the publication of the Christian Freeman, a Universalist news¬
paper which he edited for some twenty-five years. He was regarded
as the ablest preacher and writer of the denomination of his time
in New England. He was the author of “A Commentary on the New
Testament” and other works. He died at East Boston, Oct. 31, 1867.
242
HISTORY OF NORWAY
ARTEMUS WARD
HISTORY OF NORWAY
243
SYLVANUS COBB, JR.
LAVINIA BARTON SMITH
HUGH PENDEXTER
ALMA PENDEXTER HAYDEN
MRS. HUGH PENDEXTER
244
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Sylvanus Cobb, Jr.
Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., although born in Waterville (June 5, 1823),
where his father, a native of Norway, was temporarily located as a
Universalist minister, always regarded this town with the same ven¬
eration as if he had been born here. His school days were spent in
Malden, Mass., where his parents then lived. They removed to
Waltham in 1838. Three years later, without their knowledge, he
enlisted in the U. S. Navy, on the war ship Brandywine, foi a foui
years cruise on the coast of Africa and in the Mediterranean Sea.
He was discharged in March, 1844, at Norfolk, Va., and reached home
soon thereafter, where he was joyfully received. At the age of
twenty-two, he married Mary J. Mead of Waltham. He served before
going to sea a brief apprenticeship in a printing office and learned to
set type. He seems to have had very early a taste for literature and
story writing and a short- one is preserved that he wrote when eleven
years old. He began in 1850, writing for the Flag of Our Union,
published by F. Gleason. At once his sketches and stories attracted
great attention.
At the solicitation of his uncle, Samuel Cobb, in 1852, he came to
Norway with his family and settled on a farm near him in the south¬
west part of the town. In 1856, having moved into the village, he
wrote his first story for the New York Ledger. It was “The Gun-
Maker of Moscow.” This story made Mr. Cobb famous. It was writ¬
ten in the second story of the house then owned by Benj. Greeley on
the northwest corner of Main and Whitman streets. Many stories,
sketches and tales of adventure followed, till up to the time of his
death, but none of them quite equaled “The Gun-Maker of Moscow.”
Mr. Cobb took part in the Free Soil movement of the fifties and as
he was a good speaker, was frequently called upon to make stump
speeches. He was an ardent supporter of the War for the Union,
and by voice and pen did all he could towards the suppression of the
Rebellion.
He was elected in 1863 Captain of the Norway military company
and was in service with it at Fort McClary, Kittery, for 72 days in
the summer of 1864. During that time Captain Cobb was in com¬
mand of the garrison. In the autumn of 1867 he moved with his
family to Massachusetts and a year later settled at Hyde Park, near
Boston, which he made his home till his death, July 20, 1887. During
the later years of his stay in Norway he lived in a house on the west¬
erly side of Danforth street.
On the formation of the republican party he joined it and usually
voted for its candidates. He did not approve the administration of
General Grant, however, and voted for Horace Greeley for President
in 1872. Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., was in early life a Universalist, having
imbibed the doctrine from his father, but in his later manhood he
became a Unitarian.
Mr. Cobb’s great fame as a writer was established while living in
Norway. As a writer of fiction he does not rank with the great Eng¬
lish novelists, Thackeray, Dickens, Reade and Collins, but in his day
his writings were universally read by the great mass of the people,
and exerted a powerful influence for good especially in the time of
HISTORY OF NORWAY
245
the Civil War, for they taught a clean and pure affection of the sexes,
nobility of character, high ideals and a lofty patriotism.
Revs. Washington W. Hooper and John L. Stevens were writers
of note. Their biographical sketches appear among the Norway
clergymen.
Don Carlos Seitz.
Don C. Seitz, son of Rev. J. A. Seitz, was born in Portage, Ohio,
Oct. 24, 1862. He came to Norway with his parents in 1877 — his
father having accepted a call to the pastorate of the Universalist
church here. He graduated at the Norway Liberal Institute in 1880,
and entered the New Religion office of his father, where he learned
the printer’s trade. Later removed to New York. Attracted atten¬
tion by his letters from Albany during legislative sessions — 1887-9,
to the Brooklyn Eagle. City editor of that journal 1889-91. Married
Miss Mildred E. Blake, East Deering, Apr. 15, 1890, and has several
children. Assistant publisher New York Recorder, 1892-3. Adv.
Mgr., New York World, 1895-7. Business manager of New York
World. Has been abroad several times, and has attained great suc¬
cess as the business manager of The World — one of the great news¬
papers of the country, and considerable celebrity as an author. He
has not by any means reached his limit as a writer. While in Nor¬
way he was the general favorite of all classes of the people, which has
not in any degree abated to this day.
Don C. Seitz’s writings to date (1919) comprise the following vol¬
umes: “Ai'temus Ward,” “Whistler Stories,” “The Buccaneers” (Don
C. Seitz His Pirates), “Farm Voices,” “Discoveries in Everyday
Europe,” and “Elba and Elsewhere in Praise of War.”
Hugh Pendexter.
Hugh Pendexter was born in Pittsfield, Maine, January 15, 1875,
the son of G. Jefferson and Clara B. (Watson) Pendexter. He spent
several years as a teacher of Latin, and Greek in Maine High schools
and left that work to enter newspaper work in Rochester, N. Y.
After twelve years as news writer he returned to Norway, where he
married Helen M. Faunce, and devoted his entire time to fiction
writing. One New York editor recently said that Mr. Pendexter has
written about every kind of decent fiction there is. He started his
literary life as a humorist, two of his short stories being selected by
Mark Twain for his Library of Wit and Humor — three volumes.
For twenty years this author has been a steady contributor to the
leading American magazines and to several English magazines. Be¬
sides being the author of nearly two thousand short stories, articles,
novelettes, and serials he has written thirty book-length novels for
Adventure Magazine, which are being produced at the rate of two a
year in book form. These novels have gained wide popularity, as the
background in each is historical. Among his books already published
are: “Tiberius Smith;” “Camp and Trail” series, five volumes; “Along
the Coast” series — two volumes; “Red Belts;” “Kings of the Mis¬
souri;” “A Virginia Scout;” “Over the Rim of the Ridge.”
He also has taken an interest in moving-pictures and has sold the
screen rights for the following: “The Mantle of Red Evans;” “The
246
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Hyp and the Hop;” “A Daughter of the Wolf;” “Wolf Law.” Ulti¬
mately practically all of Mr. Pendexter’s historical romances will ap¬
pear on the screen. His “A Virginia Scout” was used as a handbook
in making the historical pageant of Virginia, and his “Over the Rim
of the Ridge” has been filed by the State Library of Nevada as being
an important source of historical data for that state. Mr. Pendextei
is recognized as an authority on the American Indian, Colonial and
Revolutionary War history and has been invited to contribute on these
subjects to the government publications of the United States and
Canada. , , . . ,
Since making Norway his permanent home he has taken a deep
interest in the town and has served six years as a member of the
school-board. He initiated the movement for the high school gymna¬
sium and exerted himself in making that addition to our schools
possible.
Lavinia Barton Smith.
Lavinia Howard Barton, daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Smith)
Barton, of Bethel, Canton and Livermore and granddaughter of Asa
and Mercy (Bartlett) Barton of Newton, Mass., was born in Canton,
Dec. 20, 1805. She married in 1836 Elliot Smith — his second wife.
She was a lady of exceptional literary tastes and ability and was
the author of several fine poems. She died Dec. 26, 1890.
Centennial Ode.
Hills where the North winds
sweep,
Land where our fathers sleep,
Thy children come;
Who love thy rocky hills,
Thy lakes and mountain rills,
Thy woods where echo trills
A welcome home.
Peace to our fathers’ sleep,
Who sowed the sheaves we reap
With song today:
Sheaves of an hundred years,
Freedom through blood and tears,
O bold, brave pioneers!
Our fathers — they.
Wave high the banners, then,
Sing o’er their deeds again,
And tell their fame ;
Who stood on Bunker’s height,
When Charlestown’s lurid light
Burst on the startled sight
Her fun’ral flame.
Their sons were brave as they,
When British war-ship lay
Off Preble Fort.
Her broadside toward the town,
With wide-mouthed cannon frown ;
Men rushed the hills adown
To guard the port.
Crowns for the martyrs’ graves,
Who died to free the slaves;
We bring today;
For them a laurel wreath,
Who faced the foe and death;
From hot-mouthed cannon’s
breath,
In war’s dread fray.
O Time! Sweep all the tears
From out the hundred years,
On this glad day:
Sing loud, ye lakes and rills!
Break forth, 0 vales and hills!
Till every bosom thrills,
And joins the lay.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
247
Let songs of praise arise Unseal the mystery,
To God who rules the skies, And science find the key
And lights the way: To life for aye.
May the next century
Alma Pendexter Hayden.
Alma Pendexter Hayden is the daughter of G. Jefferson and Clara
B. (Watson) Pendexter of Pittsfield, Maine. She is a sister of Hugh
Pendexter, the author, was married to Charles H. Hayden of Norway,
who died many years ago. The genealogy of the family appears else¬
where.
Mrs. Hayden, after obtaining her education, selected teaching as
a profession, which she has followed with great success in Maine and
other states, and is now (1922), as at a former period, an instructor
in the Norway village schools. She has the gift of being able to write
real poetry which is characterized by purity of style, harmony of
metre and sweetness of tone. During the Great World War, she wrote
several noteworthy poems which were highly commended by the Engv
lish Queen.
The Little Flag.
A little flag of stars and stripes
He bore one summer day,
While marching proudly to the drum,
With soldier boys at play.
I press the flag against my cheek —
It seems to bring him near —
Then place it back with broken toys,
Unused for many a year.
And when the flags are all afloat,
What joy could I but see
My little lad, with starry flag
Come marching home to me.
248
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Norway in 1865.
The establishing of the shoe business in 1873 wrought a great
change in the social as well as the material affairs of Norway. The
old order of things passed away to give place to the new. It is well
to take a glance at the town and its citizens just before the great
change, for it will never be seen again as it was then.
The writer from Buckfield came to Norway for the first time in
the autumn of 1865 as a student at the Academy, and the following
winter taught the school on the east side of the lake m district No. 8.
The village then was the largest in the county, and its beautiful shade
trees, clean streets, well kept lawns, and painted dwelling houses and
places of business, rendered it in fact as in name one of the prettiest
localities in western Maine. It was then as now noted as a great place
for trade The people from the country adjoining, particularly toward
the west, came here for their goods and the merchants and business
men were prosperous. There was an air of prosperity about the
place to be found nowhere else in all this section. There were an
hundred men in town capable of managing its affairs prudently,
ably and well. They were not all in the village, but scattered over
the town as well, on its productive farms.
Svlvanus Cobb, Jr., most impressed me, with his sage-like appear¬
ance though but little past forty, — his pleasant and kindly expression
of countenance, his fine and luminous eyes, and his long hair and
lengthy beard. _ .
Gen. Wm. Wirt Virgin — everybody called him Wirt Virgin was
the most influential citizen of the village and town — in fact for that
period he was “monarch of all he surveyed.”
Old Squire Levi Whitman, who had practiced law in the village
for over fiftv years, and whose integrity was never questioned, was
a large man. I judge he weighed at least 200 lbs. He moved about
slowly and methodically as in all matters of business. He was m
appearance the venerable man of the village. (His age was 76.)
Dr Asa Danforth, then seventy years old, had been over forty
years in the practice here of his profession and was then active and so
continued for about fifteen years more. He was tall and straight
and moved about with an elastic step. Everyone had an affectionate
regard for him.
Robert Noyes’ book-bindery was the greatest attraction to the
writer outside of the Academy. Mr. Noyes was then in his 55th year
but seemed much older. He was a kindly and good man and his
visitors, old and young, were always made welcome.
Old Mai Henry W. Millett, the postmaster, was verging on 70.
His days of activity and political management had largely passed.
H s asthmatic trouble was so bad that one often feared that he would
pass away in one of its serious attacks, but he lived about four years
longer His son, “Little Major” Henry R. Millett, was still in the
army as were Gen. Geo. L. Beal and Capt. Wm. W. Whitmarsh.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
249
NORWAY VILLAGE TODAY
250
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Ezra F. Beal was engaged in various building enterprises. He
was one of Norway’s solid business men. Senator Wra. Pitt Fessen¬
den put great confidence in his integrity and judgment, as well he
might. His word was as good as his bond. Mr. Beal was not fully
appreciated in Norway till after he had passed away.
Capt. Jonathan Blake was 44 when the War of the Rebellion broke
out, but he was one of the very first to offer his services to the gov¬
ernment. His military record is given elsewhere. Captain Blake was
faithful in the discharge of every duty. He was a thoroughly good
man. The writer, after finding out his sterling qualities, came to
like him as very few men he has ever known. He obtained pensions
for him and his widow, which added much to their comfort in their
last days.
Lee Mixer was a shoemaker. He also had a boot and shoe store
in the lower story of what is now the printing office building on the
corner of Main and Bridge streets. He was a lame man but of kindly
disposition. Everybody respected him for his integrity and good
qualities. He died at a good old age but left no posterity.
Charles B. Cummings, who was born in the house now owned by
Col. E. F. Smith, passed many years of his minority at East Bethel.
He began business in a very small way which has grown to be the
third industry in the town. He was always the friend of the writer
from their first acquaintance. His name, I believe, was on every
official bond of mine as long as he lived.
Eben C. Shacklev was in trade in 1865, in a store near the head
of Main street, in the corner made by it and Pleasant street, in the
vicinity of which “from ancient times” there had always been a place
of trade. Several students, including the writer, had rooms over the
store that autumn. Mr. Shackley was one of the most respected of
the business men of the village. He was a large man physically with
a red nose. He told the following good story. The delegates to
political conventions of that day were always given reduced rates,
usually one-half, on the rairoads, and traders took advantage of such
times to go to Portland to procure goods — there being no “drummers”
in those days.
On one occasion there was to be a political convention in Portland
of men who opposed the Maine Law. Mr. Shackley wanted to replen¬
ish his stock of goods. So one morning he took the early train at
South Paris and after the conductor had punched his ticket, he began
looking over his memoranda to make sure that he had got every¬
thing down that he wanted. Soon some of the delegates on the train
who had imbibed something stronger than water, began an animated
conversation near him about the officers of the convention and candi¬
dates, and Mr. Shackley was approached to ascertain his preferences,
and to his questioners he said: “Gentlemen, I do not wonder that you
considered me one of yourselves, for my extremely red nose would
indicate it, but to be honest with you I am a ramrod, and have never
voted your party ticket in my life.”
Thomas Higgins was one of the most upright and substantial of
the business men and citizens of the village. Every one who knew
him, respected him. His health was poor and like Old Major Millett,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
251
URIAH H. UPTON
JOHN A. FRENCH
CHAS. W. RYERSON
SOL. I. MILLETT
252
HISTORY OF NORWAY
he was troubled with asthma. He was injured so severely a few years
afterwards on a steep hill in Buckfield by being thrown from his car¬
riage that he died shortly after — Apr. 10, 1874.
Rodolphus Young, who kept a little confectionery store in Hatha¬
way block, on Main Street, took the sharpest note of men and passing
events of any one of that day, in the town. It was a great treat to
visit his store, and, eating candy and peanuts, to listen to his charac¬
terization of rogues and shams and persons who tried to make great
and favorable impressions when, in fact, they lacked real worth and
ability and were very shallow. Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., often used him,
as well as others in the place, for characters in his stories and
sketches, under fictitious names, of course, but every one acquainted
with Young and them, knew who were meant, and this for a time
created much interest and amusement among the people.
Everybody knew and liked Wm. W. D. S. Millett, or “Bill Millett”
as he was invariably called. He drove the hack and carried the mail
between the village and railroad station at South Paris. This business
he continued for nearly twenty years, till the Norway Branch railroad
was built. He was a very quiet man, — pleasant and agreeable to all,
and attended closely to his own affairs.
All but one family who sent scholars to the school in district No.
8 in the winter of 1865-6 (Solomon I. Millett’s), lived in that part of
Norway called the Lee’s Grant. There was a period, as elsewhere
related, when the people there with one exception were tenant farmers,
holding under yearly leases, and over this tract may still be seen
scores of places where dwellings had been anciently erected. There is
nothing like it in any other part of the town. A cellar hole with a
well near, in the vicinity of the school-house, marks the opening of
Daniel Cary who was drowned in the autumn of 1789, in attempting
to cross the outlet of the lake near what is now Crockett bridge, to
go to his clearing after his day’s work was done at Rust’s Mills.
Joshua Pool, the post rider, later occupied the lot and probably dug
the well. Another old cellar-hole may be seen at the top of a little
hill on the Millettville road where it branches to run to the school-
house mentioned. A large white birch tree is growing in it. The
people living on the tract in 1865, were thrifty farmers and substan¬
tial citizens. Abner F. Jackson’s farm in the Millett neighborhood
was one of the three best in town — the other two being the Tucker
farm at Norway Lake village and the Wyman farm at Norway Cen¬
ter. Nathan W. Millett like his father, Nathan Millett, a deacon of
the Baptist Church society, also had a fine farm in the same neighbor¬
hood. Mr. Millett for many years was the leading member of this
society.
Solomon I. Millett was a self-made man. He married Harriet
Porter of Paris who outlived him and was past 90 years of age at
her death. They had three girls. Alice, the oldest, a bright, pretty
and lovable girl, died when fourteen years of age. Mr. Millett was
a “49-er” in the gold diggings of California, was prudent, saving,
and had excellent judgment about investments, and accumulated a
handsome property.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
253
Ansel Dinsmore came to Norway from Minot. He married
Judith C. Morse, daughter of the early settler, Nathan Morse. Mr.
Dinsmore had a good farm extending from the main road to the lake.
He was a carpenter and builder, and no man could handle a crew of
men to better advantage than he. He was much employed by Ezra
F. Beal. Mr. Dinsmore had an analytical mind and no Norway man
of his time was better informed on all public questions.
Edwin A. Morse was born in Norway. On attaining his majority
he left home to work in Massachusetts. Afterwards he was in charge
of a crew of workmen in the construction of a railroad. He later re¬
turned and purchased a farm in the old neighborhood. His wife was
Clara Miles. Mr. Morse was one of Norway’s substantial citizens.
Alanson M. Dunham was born in Paris. At 26, having married
Christina Bent, he moved the next year into district No. 8 on the east
side of the lake. His was one of the best farms in that section. His
wife died after the census of 1850 was taken and he married Mary A.
Denison. Mr. Dunham was a kind neighbor and a good citizen.
Wm. R. Crockett was a native of Norway. He married Lydia B.
Stetson of Sumner, a woman respected and liked by all who knew her.
They lived on the old homestead and faithfully cared for his parents
in their old age. Mr. Crockett was a prosperous farmer and a good
citizen.
Ephraim S. Crockett was an older brother of William. He mar¬
ried Sarah D. Penley and had a family of nine children. All attended
the school in the winter of 1865-6. The mother had died six years
before and the oldest daughter, a very capable girl, was the head of
the household. Every one in the neighborhood always spoke in high
terms of Mrs. Crockett. The family lived on the “tongue” of land
extending into North pond. It was a good farm.
Moses Parsons also was a native of Norway. He married Sarah
Brooks, and had two girls — the younger, Lydia, only attending school
that winter. The older one, Apphia, married Wm. H. Stiles. They
were the parents of Capt. Moses P. Stiles, former postmaster here.
Mr. Parsons had a good farm and was thrifty and prosperous. He
and his wife were very kind-hearted people.
Thomas H. Richardson was born in Portland. He received his
education in the schools there, and went over sea on a pleasure trip.
He married Hannah J., sister of Ephraim S. and Wm. R. Crockett.
They had four children who were scholars that term. Mr. Richardson
had a good library of books which the teacher made use of that
winter. They were later destroyed in a fire that burnt his dwelling-
house. His farm was first owned by Jacob Tubbs, a Revolutionary
soldier, who purchased it of Francis Lightfoot Lee, heir of Arthur
Lee.
Daniel Cummings was a native of Gray — the third Daniel Cum¬
mings in a direct line. He was twice married; 1, to Nancy Bird; and
2, to Lydia Pratt. He had seven children by the first and three by
the second. One of the latter was Orrington M. Cummings, who is
now (1922) living at 83. He is the only head of a family residing
in No. 8 in 1865-6 who survives. (He died in the summer of 1923.)
Mr. Daniel Cummings’ farm was on the Millettville road. It is
254
HISTORY OF NORWAY
NATHAN W. M1LLETT
EDWIN A. MORSE
SIMON STEVENS
MOSES PARSONS
HISTORY OF NORWAY
255
now owned by Harry M. Jackson. Mr. Cummings had strong common
sense and was possessed of an abundance of good judgment. There
were other good people in the district: Calvin Richardson and wife,
Joseph R. Morse and wife, William Knight and wife, Alva B. Davis
and sister, Sophia, and others.
No part of the town had better citizens. The teacher obtained his
certificate from Samuel Cobb, a brother of Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. He
was a fine looking man and well educated. He had the Cobb cast of
features but not the long hair and beard of his brother Sylvanus.
Mr. Uriah Holt Upton of Upton Ridge was a member of the school
board. His words of commendation at the close of the school are with
me still. He was a good townsman, a good school official, a good
farmer and a good man.
There were a few others in other sections of the town, who should
be mentioned here:
John A. French was a native of Norway. He married Aurilla P.
Chase. Mr. French was the founder of the Boston Herald. Owing
to poor health he retired to a farm at Fuller’s Corner. He was a
good speaker and an able man.
Wm. P. French, a younger brother of John A., was the leading
citizen of the Chapel and surrounding country for the greater part
of his life. He was in early life a school teacher as was his wife,
Emeline A. Stevens. They had four children, three boys and one
girl. Arthur and Augusta were school teachers, the other two were
farmers and apple buyers. Arthur was one of the finest young men
ever born in Norway. He died in his early manhood, greatly lamented.
Charles W. Ryerson, a native of Paris, had just settled in Norway.
He married Susan R. Marston. Mr. Ryerson was the foremost man
of his section of the town. He was frequently elected to town office
and was one of the organizers of the Norway Grange, Patrons of Hus¬
bandry, of which he was master for many years. He was later
attacked with deafness, which prevented his election as county com¬
missioner and member of the Legislature.
David Frost of Frost Hill was the leading citizen of the southwest
section of the town. He was called ^King” David Frost and appar¬
ently liked it. All in that part of Norway looked up to him as father,
counsellor and friend. He never lost his hold upon the people there
to the day of his death.
George E. Gibson was born in Brownfield. He came of a long
race of able ancestors. He was one of the ablest men of the town of
that day. There have been many moderators of the town meetings in
Norway for the past 60 years; but few were his equal — none his
superior. He married Mary E. Randall, a school teacher. They
raised a fine family of children — six boys and two girls. One, John
Frank, is one of the leading business men of Visalia, Cal., and has
large financial interests there. Another, Fred Herbert, is Judge of
the Municipal Court at Cloverdale, Cal. He was formerly a school
teacher in Norway and a member of the school board. The daughter,
Abb E., was formerly postmistress here and was very popular with
all classes.
256
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Simon Stevens was the youngest son of Joseph Stevens, the
pioneer. He was born in Norway, Aug. 10, 1798, and married Rebecca
Atherton of Waterford. He was a prominent citizen of the town in
his day and was respected by all for his good judgment and sterling
qualities. He was town clerk from 1842 to 1852, served eleven years
on the board of selectmen — nine of which he was chairman — and two
years as a member of the Legislature. He died Mar. 27, 1891.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
257
CHAPTER XXXIX.
The Savings Bank Robbery of 1867.
On the morning of Sunday, September 22, 1867, the store of Lee
Mixer, now the Advertiser office, situated on the corner of Main and
Bridge Stieets in Norway village, was found to have been broken into
the night before and the safe containing the books, papers and funds
of the Norway Savings Bank, blown open and its contents carried
away.
Parties had been seen in the vicinity about midnight by Dr.
C. E. Evans who had been out attending a sick patient, and by Wm.
C. Cole. The latter saw a man enter the store but had no idea that
he was a burglar. The mother of I. N. Small heard the explosion,
but thought nothing serious had happened.
The burglary was discovered by Chas. C. Sanderson, one of the
village lawyers and principal business men of the place. He was also
one of the trustees of the Savings Bank. He was an early riser and
that morning he had got up and gone out for a walk before sunrise.
There had been a heavy dew during the night and Sanderson noticed
the fresh tracks of a horse and wagon leading to and from the Con¬
gregational church shed into the street, and he mistrusted that thieves
had been at work somewhere in the village and at once he thought of
the Savings Bank whither he immediately went. He found the front
door to the store open, and soon dscovered that the burglars had
entered through the Main street window where a piece of glazed cloth
still hung to prevent the thieves from being seen while at their
nefarious work. They had blown open the door to the safe and stolen
its contents.
Mr. Sanderson gave the alarm and went to the Congregational
church shed to measure the horse’s tracks and find out, before the
marks were obliterated, which way the criminals had gone. He dis¬
covered that the horse had a peculiar shaped shoe on one hoof to pre¬
vent the animal “interfering,” and that the team had gone towards
Oxford. At once he started in pursuit. At the forks of the road at
the lower end of the village he examined the ground and saw the
same tracks on the Fore Street road and he followed, noting occasion¬
ally on the way the same peculiarities. In this manner he found that
the burglars had passed Welchville, over Pigeon Hill, through the
Shaker village in New Gloucester and to Gray Corner, which latter
place he reached a little after noon. Here he waited an hour for din¬
ner and to procure a fresh horse and then started for Portland.
Four or five miles out of the city at a watering place he again found
the same horse’s tracks and knew that he was on the right trail.
Arriving in Portland he went to the city marshal’s office and gave
directions for further pursuit of the horse. He then returned home,
arriving that night. The next morning he started for Boston and put
the case into the hands of J. S. Hunt who ran a detective agency.
Hunt, with one of his subordinates and Sanderson went to the rail¬
road station and watched every one that went through the gate
to take the train westward. They barely missed two of the thieves,
258
HISTORY OF NORWAY
who boarded the same train at a street crossing. On the way to
Springfield, Mass., the officers with Sanderson passed through the
train to the rear car, and again missed the burglars, who were dis¬
guised and had their tools and two-thirds of the stolen property —
except some papers and notes of no value to them which had been
buried in the woods on the road from Auburn to Gray — in a bag over
their heads in the hat-rack. As the officers were leaving the car,
Hunt looked back and saw one of the criminals whom he knew, Lang-
don W. Moore, and while the train was at the station, he had a con¬
versation with Moore in which he told him he strongly suspected him
of being concerned in the robbery. Strange to relate, Moore was
allowed to go on, and he and his “pal” reached New York City, their
home, where the “swag” was divided. The names of the burglars
were Langdon W. Moore and Charles B. Haight of New York and
Truman F. Young, called “Doctor” Young of Nashua, N. H. Young
had gone to his home from Great Falls, where the “crooks” parted
company. He was the one who had worked up the job and had been
in Norway village some week or more before the burglary, and was
recognized by Rev. Nathaniel Gunnison, president of the Savings
Bank, Sumner Burnham, Winthrop Stevens and others, who after¬
wards testified to the fact. The property taken from the bank was
$2746.70 in currency and bonds belonging to the bank, $700 in 5-20
U. S. bonds owned by John Richardson, $100 in currency of the firm of
Mixer & Watson, and about $400 of the town’s funds deposited in the
name of Samuel Favor, town treasurer. Total stolen funds, $3,946.70.
Shortly after the robbery Moore sent a diagram of the locality
where the notes and papers were buried to Hunt and it was forwarded
to J. S. Heald, city marshal of Portland, who went to the place and
found them in the bushes near the forks of the road about one and
one-half miles from “Auburn bridge,” on the road from Gray Corner.
The papers were recovered October 2d, and delivered over to Sander¬
son.
Meantime Young with other burglars than Moore and Haight,
broke into a bank at Cornish and he was arrested. Hearing of this
break and thinking it might be the same parties who had robbed the
Norway bank, Sanderson took Sumner Burnham who had been a detec¬
tive for many years and on the 20th of October started for Cornish.
On the way from Gray Corner they met two men in a top carriage, one
of whom Sanderson recognized as Hunt, and Burnham thought the
other a man he had seen in Norway previous to the robbery, and
believed to have been concerned in the affair, so they turned and fol¬
lowed the team which kept on to Saco. On going into the Saco House,
Sanderson found that Hunt and Young were there. Hunt called
Young into the entry and Sanderson followed, and putting his hand
on Young’s shoulder, told him that he was the man he had been
looking for and might consider himself under arrest. Hunt asked
what right Sanderson had to make him a prisoner and was told that
he had a warrant for Young’s arrest for robbing the Norway Savings
Bank. Hunt drew a revolver and said he would bore a hole through
Sanderson if he didn’t let Young go. “Bore away,” said the plucky
lawyer, “but I shall keep my hold.” Sanderson maintained his grip till
HISTORY OF NORWAY
259
SCENE OF BANK ROBBERY
260
HISTORY OF NORWAY
the city marshal and Burnham appeared on the scene and Young was
handcuffed and taken to jail.
At the March term, 1868, of the Supreme Court in Oxford County,
Young was indicted under several aliases for the robbery of the Nor¬
way Savings Bank. There were several counts in the indictment
which was fifteen feet in length. Enoch Foster, Jr. was the State’s at¬
torney for the county. It was his first term of court as such official.
He had a great number of witnesses and every link in the chain of
evidence was made perfect. In fact it was said that Foster had three
times the evidence necessary to convict. S. Porter Stearns, of Paris,
was foreman of the jury that tried Young. Alvah Black was assigned
by the court as the prisoner’s counsel. No evidence was introduced
for the defense, but Mr. Black talked for his client about an hour.
He argued that the place where the bank was kept was not a banking
house, and under the particular statute by which the prisoner had
been indicted there could be no breaking and entering. Foster’s plea
was one of the very best he ever made in the old court house, and
Young remarked as he was taken back to his cell after the trial, that
the State’s attorney was a young man of considerable ability and that
he thought he would in time make a pretty smart lawyer.
After the judge’s charge the jury retired and in a short time
returned with a verdict of guilty. When the prisoner was brought
into court for sentence, his counsel addressed the presiding justice
and said among other things calculated to commend themselves to the
consideration of the judge that in view of the fact that a part of the
property had been restored it should be taken into account in lessen¬
ing the full amount of the sentence.
Judge Barrows said he had no sympathy with the custom which
was becoming too frequent of buying off justice by returning a por¬
tion of the goods stolen. He then wrote his sentence on the back of
the indictment, and it was read to the prisoner by Gen. William K.
Kimball, the clerk. It was nine years at hard labor in the State
Prison at Thomaston.
The prisoner took his sentence without apparent feeling.
Young, after going to the State’s prison squealed on his pals and
told the whole story of the breaking which was substantially as
follows :
Having gone to Norway and examined the place where the funds
of the newly organized Savings Bank were kept, Young thought it an
easy matter to break into the store and obtain the contents of the
safe. He did not learn what the amount of the funds deposited there
were, but supposed that it must be between $5,000 and $10,000. He
informed Moore, who was one of the most skillful operators in the
country, and who boasted that he could go through any combinations
even of so-called “burglar proof” safes. Haight was one of Moore’s
understrappers and was taken into the job.
Young hired a team at Portland to go a few miles beyond Gray
Corner, and taking in Moore and Haight started for Norway, distant
about 45 miles.
The horse was a large bay, and had a peculiar shoe on one hoof
to prevent the animal from hitting the other leg while in motion.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
261
Before reaching Oxford (Moore says Waterford, which must be
a mistake) another horse was hired to complete the journey, but
singular to relate, having on the same hoof a shoe exactly like the
odd shoe of the Portland horse. Neither of the burglars then knew
that either horse wore such a shoe. County Attorney Foster with
the officers raked over the ground between Norway and Portland for
evidence as with a fine tooth comb, and it seems very strange if a
second horse, with the same kind of a shoe, was procured by the
robbers that it was not discovered.
The “crooks” reached Norway village about 10 o’clock in the
evening and putting the team under a church shed, waited till they
judged the people had retired for the night and the streets were
deserted, when they started for the scene of the contemplated robbery
a third of a mile away.
It was a bright moonlight night. On the way they saw a watch¬
man come out of the woolen factory, on the south side of the thorough¬
fare, into the road and, looking up and down Main Street awhile, he
went back into the building. On reaching the vicinity of the store,
loung was posted behind a tree on the opposite side to watch for
passers by, while Moore entered through the window near the safe
followed by Haight.
A piece of glazed cloth was hung over the window to prevent their
being seen from the outside. A hole was soon bored into the door of
the safe and filled with powder. Then a fuse was attached. The
bolts to the door had been drawn and the place examined to see if
any one slept in the store. They crossed the street where Young stood
and finding that nothing had occurred to arouse their suspicions of
danger of discovery, Moore returned to the store and lighted the fuse.
He hurried back where Young was stationed, when the explosion
occurred. They saw the puff of smoke come out of the window and
mount high in the air like a balloon.
They remained concealed a few minutes when, perceiving that no
one had apparently been awakened by the noise, Moore and Haight
entered the store and saw that the job had been well done. They took
the funds found in the safe and putting them into a bag, departed.
They saw no one on the way to where they had hitched the team.
The thieves noticed as they drove out from the shed into the road that
grass grew in the driveway and Moore remarked to Young that the
people didn’t travel enough to the church to keep the grass from
growing — a matter he then and afterwards regretted, as the tracks
were plainly to be seen and might lead to their detection.
They started towards Oxford at a fast gait, and drove to the forks
of a road, where they claimed, two of them had previously stopped
while Young drove to a village and procured another horse to finish
the journey to Norway. Here Moore and Haight got out and while
Young went on to exchange the horse for the other one, they looked
over the stolen property and took one-third for Young, putting the
rest, undivided, into the bag with the burglars’ tools. Among the
articles taken, were papers and notes of no value to the robbers, but
of much consequence to the bank. These were carefully tied up and
packed in a box which they took from the safe, and, marking a place
262
HISTORY OF NORWAY
by taking a certain number of paces from the road, and also from a
large boulder, buried it in the leaves under a tree.
On Young’s return with the Portland team, he was given his part
of the plunder. Within a few miles of Portland, Moore and Haight
got out and started on foot for Saco (while Young took the team to
the city), which was reached in the evening. Young also joined them
there and hiring a team they drove to Great Falls, N. H., where they
arrived before daylight Monday morning. It was their intention to
take the early morning train to Boston but they overslept and so
missed it. Sanderson went to Boston on that train. They boarded
the forenoon train, however, and at Lawrence, Mass., Young lef
there and proceeded to his home in Nashua. Here he stayed for
several days and then went on to New York. He learned from Moore
and Haight how near they came on the trip to New York to being
detected. The robbers thought it best to have the bank officials
recover the papers and notes, which had been buried m the woods,
and prepared and sent a diagram as related. _
After Young had made this confession implicating Moore and
Haight, they “went into hiding” for several months, and the Norway
bank officials got requisition papers from Governor Joshua L. Cham¬
berlain for their arrest. _ . , .
Sanderson with Detective Cyrus M. Wormell of Bethel went to
New York to apprehend them and bring them to Maine for trial.
They procured the arrest of a man resembling Moore. At the hearing
he proved his identity easily and the affair, getting into the news¬
papers, created such a stir, they hastily left the city without then
prisoners to save themselves from being sued for a false arrest
This unfortunate incident prevented any further attempt to obtain
Moore and Haight in New York, or they would probably have been
captured and brought to Oxford county for trial.
By the return of the notes and papers to the bank and from Hunt s
statements of Moore’s natural “high-mindedness,” it was thought by
the bank officials that if he could be approached m the right manner
some of the stolen funds might be recovered. Accordingly one of the
trustees in the spring of 1869 wrote to Moore stating that the greater
part of the stolen property belonged to poor people especially fami 1 s
who had saved it from their hard earnings m shop and factory, and
soliciting his influence to recover it. The letter dwelt at considerab e
length upon the suffering the logs their little savings had occasioned,
and the gratitude they would feel if it was wholly or partly returned
It is said that Lee Mixer’s name was signed to the letter, but it
is probable that the wily Sanderson had a hand in its production.
It produced the desired effect and shortly after a man appeared
for the purpose of investigating the statements contained m the letter,
and negotiating for a settlement.
The “go-between” returned to New York and reported to the
robbers. Then he wrote to the bank officials stating upon what terms
the money would be returned.
A few months after this the same man came to Norway with the
money taken, including interest. He had an agreement with him to
be signed by the bank officials releasing Moore and Haight from any
HISTORY OF NORWAY
263
liability the bank might have against them and promising not to
prosecute them for the burglary, they were also to give up the extra¬
dition papers and the articles used in evidence against Young, which
could also be used against them. The bank officials refused to sign
this agreement as it might render them liable for compounding
a felony.
The “go-between” returned home for further consultation with the
result that he came a third time to Norway and delivered the money
to the bank officials and received the extradition papers, articles used
in evidence at Young’s trial, and a receipt releasing Moore and Haight
from any liability the bank might have against them.
And thus the stolen funds were recovered. Just how much was
actually paid back was never known outside of the parties to the.
transaction.
The town voted the town treasurer $400 for the amount of funds
said to have been in the safe and stolen. This money never found,
its way back into the town treasury. The robbers never paid it.
Langdon W. Moore with Chas. B. Haight was afterward tried
for robbing the Rockland bank and both were convicted and sen¬
tenced to seven years each at hard labor in the Maine state’s prison.
Moore also served a sentence of 13 years in the Massachusetts
state’s prison for burglary. One of his counsel was H. E. Swasey, a
former very popular principal of the high school at South Paris, who
had settled in Boston in the practice of the law. He carried the case
once to the full court and was successful in having his exceptions
sustained.
Moore wrote or had written for him the story of his many rob¬
beries and life in the Massachusetts and Maine state’s prisons which
appeared in a Boston newspaper. These sketches were written as he
said to show the world “that a crooked official is far more dangerous
than a well known thief, and that money obtained by fraud is at a
discount and will not purchase peace, comfort and a contented mind.”
It was not stated by Moore how much money was paid back to
the bank and now that all the parties in the transaction are dead it
will probably never be known, and no one seems to know how the
amount returned was entered on the books of the bank.
264
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XL.
Annals from 1900 to 1923.
1901
Two free rural mail delivery routes were established and put in
operation July 1st. Route 1 runs east of and around the lake through
Noble’s Corner and Norway Lake village — a distance in all of nearly
25 miles. John P. Judkins received the appointment of mail carrier
on this route. He is still (1923) in the service. Route 2 passes
through Norway Center, North Norway, the Chapel, Yagger and over
Pike’s Hill. Length of route about 27 miles. Stephen L. Etheridge
was appointed carrier. He resigned on account of poor health and
was succeeded by Fred H. Perry who yet (1922) retains the position.
The carriers start from the village post office at 10.30 A.M. and
on route 1 the carrier by team gets back about four P.M., and on
route 2 about an hour later. Since autos have been used much quicker
time is made. — Ezra T. Shedd of Chicago, who was born in Nor¬
way, visited here in the summer. — The hundredth anniversary of
the building of the Universalist church, was appropriately cele¬
brated Nov. 19 and 20. — Deaths: Feb. 1, David S. Andrews 65;
Feb. 21, Mrs. James C. Bennett 85; Mar. 1, James Packard about 80;
Mar. 7, Mrs. Enoch Merrill about 87; Feb., in Colorado, Mrs. Benj.
Tee about 70; Jan. 20, Eliza Ann Parsons 73; Jan. 28, Wm. S. Pin-
gree 70, and Thomas J. Hobbs 71; Mar. 18, in San Francisco, Cal.,
Mr. George E. Gibson 73; Mar. 9, Mrs. Edmund Frost 74; April 1,
Albert Coffin 68; Apr. 2, George Austin 65; Apr. 5, in New York,
Luther P. Tucker 69; Apr. 27, Ai J. Rowe, former postmaster, 48;
May 3, David Sanborn 84; May 5, Mrs. Hannah Judkins 85, and Mrs.
Elmira Merrill 68; May 17, Mr. Wm. H. Warren 71; May 29, Mrs.
Hannah Tubbs 91; June 2, Mrs. Olivia Jones 72; June 5, Mrs. Ann C.
Dudley about 83; June 4, John C. Saunders 59; June 13, Wm. C. Jor¬
dan 82; June 18, Mrs. Sarah (Crockett) Freeman 80; June 25, Mrs.
Hannah (Richardson) Harris 69; July 16, Sam’l P. Frost 86; Sept.
4, in Rochester, N. H., Charles W. Howe about 50; Oct. 10, Dimon
Hamilton about 59; Oct. 14, J. Frank Bradbury 63; Oct. 13, Mrs.
Sam’l J. Frost about 70; Nov. 2, in Boston, Rev. J. C. Snow 68; Nov.
19, Azel Bumpus 81; Nov. 24, Oliver Shackley 64; Nov. 26, Mrs. Lottie
E. Austin about 65; Dec. 2, Mrs. Martha A. Long about 69.
1902
In January, the Supreme Court of the U. S. rendered a decision,
sustaining the claim to title of the Oconto, Wisconsin, Water Com¬
pany of Silas D. Andrews and Wm. H. Whitcomb of Norway. Some
twelve years previous they had loaned this company $40,000. It had
been granted a franchise by the city to supply it with water for thirty
years. The company became financially embarrassed, and Andrews
and Whitcomb had to take over the property by a foreclosure of their
mortgage. The water supply proved inadequate and it was neces¬
sary to go down to a greater depth for it. This was done at consid¬
erable expense when an ample flow of purer water was reached and
HISTORY OF NORWAY
265
the project was made a success financially. Then other creditors
who were not willing at first to help, wanting to realize something on
their debts, brought suits which Andrews and Whitcomb had to de¬
fend. These suits were prosecuted and defended with great perti¬
nacity — the Norway parties winning in every court and in every
case — and were finally settled for good in the supreme court of the last
resort — the highest tribunal in the land. — Judge Herrick C. Davis of
the Municipal Court was knocked down by a runaway horse on Main
street and seriously injured, April 16. — Capt. Jonathan Whitehouse,
Apr. 9, celebrated his 89th birthday. — Thomas Smiley opened a dry
goods store in Portland in the spring. — Miss Ruth Tucker of Paris
was thrown from her carriage here by her horse becoming frightened
and running away and was quite seriously injured. — Deaths: Jan. 5,
in Augusta, Susan E. Gilkey 68; Jan. 6, Mrs. E. Augusta (Noyes)
Millett 58; Jan. 18, John Henry Millett 76; Jan. 20, at Church Hill,
Md., B. Frank Morse, a native of Norway 72; Jan. 26, Sarah E.
(Brown) Hazen 56; Jan. 30, Enieline A. Millett 70; Feb. 7, in Newton
Falls, Mass., Wm. D. Merrill of the 17th Me., 76; Feb. 14 in Geneseo,
Ill., Martha A. Parsons 79; Mar. 24, James H. Jordan 74; Mar. 29,
Myra P. (Hall) Noble 52; April 10, Edmund Ames 78; Apr. 15, Silas
H. Wetherbee 65; Apr. 28, Joseph A. Snow 79; May 26 in Turner,
Mrs. Rufus H. Prince 70; May 25, Belle Dutton 38; June 3 in
Otisfield, John A. Bolster 79; June 25, Mrs. Harriet Frost 74; July 4,
Mrs. Winthrop Stevens 82; July 7 in Concord, Mass., Mrs. Eben C.
Andrews 81; July 18 in Essex, Vt., Henrietta C. Barton 70; July 28,
John H. Witt 73; Aug. 6, Isaac F. Titcomb 62; Aug. 23, Capt. Jon¬
athan Blake 85; Oct. 5, Dea. Wm. S. Pratt 70; Oct. 1 in Alexandria,
Va., Willard Buck 73; Oct. 16, Mrs. Jennette (Thornes) Gardner, a
most estimable lady, 68; Dec. 3, John N. Baker 75.
1903
A Board of Trade was organized in the village this year. — The
John L. Horne place on lower Main street was purchased in May, for
an Old Ladies’ Home. Thirty-two ladies subscribed the amount
($25,000) for its purchase, with the furnishings. It was opened for
occupancy in September. The buildings on the lot were constructed
by the 3d Henry Rust, father of the General, after the fire in 1851. —
There were thirty cottages — all occupied — on the lake shores and
islands this year. — Deaths: Jan. 7, Mrs. Lucinda E. Foss 75, and
Henry A. M. Bradbury 72; Jan. 25 in Dorchester, Mass., Francis S.
Parsons 66; Jan. 17 at Soldiers’ Home, Togus, Isaiah V. Penley 76;
Jan. 29 in Haverhill, Mass., Mrs. Lizzie S. Warren 58, and in Allston,
Mass., Cyrus Cobb 69; Feb. 11, Annette (Stetson) Crockett, 60; Feb.
10, Ezekiel C. Jackson about 82; Mar. 9, in Westerville, Neb., Horace
A. Burnham 50; Mar. 11 in Idaho Falls, la., A. J. Buck 67; Apr. 11
in Stoneham, James L. Parker 72; Apr. 18, Joseph H. Kimball 80;
Apr. 19, John A. French about 86; Apr. 20, Chas. G. Mason 45; May
4, Sarah Lord 88; May 9, Mary F. Davis 66; May 30, Mary F. (Has¬
kell) Danforth; June 8, Mary Francis Jordan 67; June 11, Ephraim
H. Brown about 85; July 16, Viana (Perham) Churchill 71; Aug. 16,
Lewis B. Swett 72; Aug. 28, Albert F. Andrews 67; Sept. 14, Mary
266
HISTORY OF NORWAY
A. Briggs 66; Jane (Frost) Gammon 86; Sept. 27, Sarah H. Morse
51; Sept. 30, Mary P. Cullinan, native of Ireland, 64; Oct. 10, James
Smith 66; Oct. 13 in Creighton, Neb., Benj. G. Holt about 77; Nov. 4
in Newtonville, Mass., Mary (Tucker) Howe 86; Nov. 7 in Medford,
Mass., wid. Willard H. Woodbury 69; Dec. 6, Ira Moulton 70; Dec. 11,
Martha A. Owen about 69; Dec. 12, Lewiston, Mrs. Hannah Long 69;
Dec. 22, Ansel Dinsmore 88.
1904
Miss Alice I. Frost in June graduated with high honors at Bates
College. She began teaching in the high school at Dexter as assist¬
ant. — L. Edwin Judkins was drowned near the Crockett bridge,
July 28, under circumstances which might indicate foul play, but.
the coroner’s inquest reported it to have been accidental drown¬
ing. — Frank E. Gayton and family removed to Los Catos, Califor¬
nia, in September. — Deaths: Jan. 12, Brunswick, Jed. Woodbury
64; 28, Portland, Fitzroy Bennett 58; Feb. 5, John King 83; 10,
Frank E. Williams 55; 13, Sarah A. Marston about 78; 18, John
Needham 76; Mar. 2, Capt. Amos F. Noyes 91; 22, Franklin, Mass.,
Dr. Jeff C. Gallison 62; 28, Mrs. Osgood N. Perry 77; 27, New¬
ton, Mass., Geo. F. Evans 61; Mar. 8, Abigail Rowe 85; 12, John G.
Stone 55; 22, Lewiston, Miss Bessie Horne, a most popular and lov¬
able young lady, 21; Apr. 8, Mrs. Frances E. Cummings 68; May 30,
Mrs. Charlotte Grant 66; June 19, Lewiston hospital, Mrs. Petronelle
Lafairere 44, and at Conway, N. H., Frank Crockett about 75; July
20, Whitney Buck 63; Owatana, Minn., Hon. Mark H. Dunnell about
80; Sept. 3, Samuel Foster 95 yrs. 7 mos., the oldest person in town;
22, Abba D. (Hill) Howe 82; Oct. 15, Bradbury C. A. Pingree 86; 30,
Hannah P. Noble 71; Nov. 7, Cyrus M. Buck about 80; Peaks Island,
Sam’l H. Howe 55; Prof. Wm. E. Frost, Westford, Mass., 64; Dec.
19, Newtonville, Chas. J. Snow 33; 29, Mrs. Hannah Stuart 66.
1905
In the summer the Old Ladies’ Home was given up for lack of
funds to run it. — The Novelty Turning Company, under the manage¬
ment of W. C. Brown, was put in successful operation at Steep Falls.
It is doing a good business at the present time (1922). — J. G. Rich
in his lifetime was a great hunter in the northern part of Oxford
county. His widow, an inmate of the Old Ladies’ Home, stated that
her husband’s diary showed that he had killed 73 bears, 60 moose,
too many deer to count, several hundred wildcats and an innumerable
number of beaver, otter, mink, muskrats and foxes. — Deaths: Jan. 3,
Daniel McKay 67; 4, Samuel Fessenden Stearns 73; 18, Louisa D.
(Sawyer) Sanborn 91 nearly; 27, Cheri L. Paragard about 66; 31,
Leroy L. Merriam 56; Feb. 12, Alfred Shattuck 83; 27, Hon. Joseph
F. Stearns 63; Mar. 14, Mrs. Azel K. Bumpus 80; 12, Hezekiah Pin¬
gree 76; Apr. 9, Capt. Jonathan Whitehouse 92; Mar. 16, Utica, N. Y.,
Rev. W. W. Hooper 52; May 1, Lyman Durrell 77; 21, Mrs. Stephen
L. Etheridge 62; 29, at Brunswick, Ernest W. Drake 35; Aug. 16 at
Seattle, Washington, Mrs. Sabrina E. (Bradbury) Shedd 83; Sept. 2,
John Wyman 67; 3, Wm. W. Fiske 95, oldest person in town, and at
HISTORY OF NORWAY
267
Togus, John W. Foley 71; Aug. 23, in Dedham, Mass., Chas. C. San¬
derson; Oct. 12, David W. Frost 80; Nov., Nancy Marshall 83; 19,
Jane E. Kimball 78; Dec. 7, Woodstock, Chas. 0. Godwin; Dec. 18,
Fred H. Holmes 70.
1906
Brown tail moths made their appearance here in great numbers. —
The Norway and Western Electric R.R. died a natural death, during
the year. — Four sisters born in Norway and daughters of our first
nail maker, Stephen Latham, were living in Mass., in January: Mrs.
Abigail H. Littlefield 91, Mrs. Mary Jane Huntington 89, Mrs.
Melinda W. Niles 87, and Mrs. Jeanette Loveland 82. — Mr. Henry B.
Foster purchased the Old Ladies’ Home and made it his residence. —
The residence of Edward F. Morse on Pike’s Hill was burned May 1.
It was a great loss to an old soldier of the Civil War. It was caused
by a fire in the woods near, and under a high wind. — Judge C. F.
Whitman gave the memorial address at South Paris, May 30. He was
elected Clerk of the Courts for the third time in Sept. — V. W. Hills
purchased the first automobile that was owned in Norway. — Moving
picture shows first exhibited here this year. — Judge Herrick C. Davis
of the municipal court declined a reappointment On account of age
and infirmities, and William F. Jones was appointed. — The Dr.
Thompson-Cummings suit to determine whether the outlet to the lake
above the mill dam was a “floatable” stream was tried at the October
term of the Supreme Judicial Court. It was decided that it was to
a certain point below the “Taylor” boat-house. — Deaths: Jan. 9, Mrs.
Lydia Winslow about 79; .11, Casco, Joseph W. Parker 86 nearly; 29,
Rev. Jabez E. Budden 73, a native of England; Sanford H. Walcott
67; Feb. 1, Auburn, Hosea H. Huntress 82; 10, Hanover, Mass., Mrs.
Kate (Hobbs) Millett 37, interment in Norway; 22, Yarmouth, Abby
L. (Ham) Horne; 28, Calais, Gen. Benj. B. Murray 78; Mar. 9, Lynn,
Mass., John A. Keene 83; 17, Lynn, Ivers L. Witherell 85; 26, Miranda
T. Sawyer 79; Apr. 5, Cornish, Norman Buck 41; 19, Mrs. Sarah E.
Morse 70; 25, Lavinia Robbins 81; May 5, Mark Lucas 84; 6, Lucy E.
Hall 77; 17, Henry Russell 83; June 9, Frank F. Stevens 76, and
Sarah A. Holt 90; July 11, Geo. W. Stone 86; 16, Austin, Minn., Han¬
nah B. (Crockett) Noble 87; Sarah G. Brown 84; Aug. 9, Clinton
Mills, 63; 4, Leominster, Mass., David F. Noyes 89; Sept. 19, Dr. Ser-
villa A. Bennett 77; 19, Bethel, David Gorham 75; 25, Portland, Mrs.
E. Ellen Clark 71; Nov. 14, Rollin Towne 76; 28, Lawrence, Mass.,
Victoria A. Whitmarsh 69.
1907
Dr. Lester H. Trufant of Auburn located here in the summer, in
the practice of his profession. — Mr. and Mrs. Isaac A. Denison at
Mechanic Falls, celebrated the 63rd anniversary of their wedding,
April 23. Mr. Denison was born at Burke, Vt., June 18, 1820. He
married Lauristine Bemis. They moved to Norway in 1849, where he
was in trade for 26 years. Then they removed to Mechanic Falls.
Two of their three daughters married Congregational clergymen. —
Verne M. Whitman of Peterboro, N. H., delivered the memorial ad¬
dress here May 30. — Miss Augusta H. French retired from school
268
HISTORY OF NORWAY
teaching on account of her parents’ illness. She had been a teacher
in the public schools for over 30 years. Later she obtained a teacher’s
pension from the state. — During a thunder shower in August, Eugene
D. Millett was prostrated by lightning near a brook in his pasture,
and for a time was unconscious. When he recovered he found himself
on the other side of the brook. His right side was affected and the
toes of his right foot were blackened, which showed that he had been
struck. Probably his thorough drenching did much to prevent
serious injury. — Deaths: Jan. 10, Chas. S. Carter 50; 17, Orin Tubbs
85; 29, Joe Holt 69; Feb. 7, Eveline Bartlett 82; Mar. 3, Jere D. Cra-
gin 65; 13, in Phila., Pa., ffm. H. Whitcomb 67; 27, Boston, John A.
Ordway 81; Apr. 1, Malden, John F. Devine 61; 16, John M. Cum¬
mings 66; 12, Brooklyn, N. Y., Donald B. Seitz, an only son, 8; May
3, Mary Ann (Irish) Rice 83; 5, Clara 0. Foster 62; 15, Mrs. Alvin
Brown 52; 18, Arthur L. Hutchins 26, drowned; 23, Josiah Stone 75;
June 10, wife of Chas. S. Penley 64; 12, Keziah (Hill) Noble 94; B.
Chaffin 78; July 10, Buckfield, Hosea Bonney 70; 11, Red Creek, N. Y.,
Philo S. Cherry 77; 25, Calvin Richardson 82; Aug., Jamaica Plain,
Mass., Addie E. (French) Pierson 55; 24, Mrs. Sarah Crosby 79; 26,
Mrs. Abigail Stone 75; Sept. 2, Providence, R. I., Angie F. (Shackley)
Carpenter 56; Mrs. Joshua C. Yeaton 75; Oct. 2, Benj. Bacon 73;
Nov. 3, Portland, Caleb C. Buck 74, Edwin Thompson 65, and Leonard
A. Carter 76; Nov. 1, Rebecca Whidden 82; 11, in Lincoln, Neb.,
Daniel H. Young 74; Nov. 7, Swampscott, Mass., Geo. T. Crockett
40; 16, Arthur W. Frost 57; Dec. 2, Minneapolis, Minn., Ada A. Noble
60; 13, Rachel (Porter) Witt 83; 18, Kennebunk, Chas. C. Tebbetts
56; 22, Mrs. Calvin Shedd 80.
1908
Col. Fred E. Boothby of Portland, a native of Norway, was a can¬
didate for Governor this year. Bert M. Fernald of Poland was nomi¬
nated and elected.— -Judge C. F. Whitman delivered the memorial ad¬
dress at Buckfield, May 30. — There were over 40 cottages on the lake
this year, with eighteen power boats.— Norway had, by the report of
the highway commissioner, 85 miles of roads. — Rev. Edward S. Cotton
in October resigned as pastor of the Baptist church society. This was
greatly regretted by the society and the citizens of the village. He
died in 1915. — Deaths: Jan. 25, 1908, Dr. Augustus N. French 63;
Feb. 2, Sebastian S. Smith 89; 13, Martin Lovejoy 79; Dorcas C.
Barrows 77; 3, Wm. H. Hillier 75; 8, Theodore L. Webb 49, Mrs.
Calista Richardson 74; 13, George E. Horr 68; Mar. 3, Geneseo, Ill.,
Octavia J. Parsons 77; 5, Harriet (Millett) Jackson 77; 6, Harriet
Swett 78; 14, Mrs. Mary A. Gary 88; 25, Mark Pride 39; Apr. 11,
Lucy J. Carter 78; Sophia M. Jones 88; 17, Miss Carrie Fiske 77;
April 27, John F. Rice 83; 24, Albinus Bicknell 75; May 7, Elizabeth
S. (Crockett) Blake 87, oldest woman in town; Apr. 29, at Baltimore,
Md., Amos Packard abt. 80; May 2, Mrs. Eunice A. French abt. 70;
11, Wm. C. Cole 61; 8, Ethelyn A. (Cummings) Herrick 28, 8 mos.
6 ds. ; 10, Betsey (Faunce) Greenleaf 81 yrs. 5 mos.; 18, Orin Kimball
abt. 80; May 20, Stewartstown, N. H., Horace P. Churchill 71;
June 28, Dorchester, Mass., Mrs. Cynthia H. (Crooker) Richmond
HISTORY OF NORWAY
269
76, interred in Pine Grove Cem.; Portland, Mrs. Christina Burnham,
wid. Sumner Burnham 98 yrs. 4 mos., buried in Pine Grove; July 14,
Elva A. (Caldwell) Cummings; Sept. 21, Sarah (Partridge) Cum¬
mings 69; 24, Mary A. (Merrill) Frost 68; Oct. 16, Caroline Davis
80; 26, Lewiston, Frank E. Tower 46, Amanda (Frost) Hobbs 77;
Nov. 9, Chas. D. Noble 66; 18, Fred L. Young 80; 27, Mark Wetzler
75; Nov. 15, Otisfield, David L. Holden 65; Dec. 20, Ellen (Churchill)
Gerry 70 nearly.
1909
Mrs. Clara (Ames) Hayden celebrated her 80th birthday Jan. 25.
Every birthday thereafter was celebrated. She died April 28, 1922,
past 93. — Geo. W. Holmes was elected chairman of the selectmen in
March. — A feeble attempt was made this year to resurrect the Nor¬
way and Western Electric R.R. — The Boston Post cane for the oldest
man in town, was given to Peter B. Buck, a lineal descendant of Peter
Buck — the first of the name to settle in Norway. He was about 90
years old. Mr. Buck died a year later and the cane went to Wm. H.
Porter and at his death to Emerson Kilgore who now (1922) holds it.
He is past 90. — Geo. L. Curtis was chosen treasurer of the Norway
Savings Bank to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Geo. E. Tubbs.
The new Grange Hall — a fine building — was erected during the year
on Whitman street. — Deaths: Jan. 4, Dea. Osgood Perry 83; 13, Phebe
E. (Green) Russell 80 nearly; Feb. 4, Albany, Elvira (Judkins) Cum¬
mings 66; Mar. 5, Fishkill, N. Y., Edward J. Flood 61; Mar. 11, Isaac
Newell Small 79; 19, Sarah H. Witt 55; 19, Lewis Lovejoy 85 nearly;
26, Wm. P. French 83 nearly; May 20, Brackett W. Marston 69; July
15, Mrs. Mehitable H. Damon 80; 24, Jamaica, N. Y. wid. Merrill J.
Rowe 88; Aug. 20, at East He,bron, Josiah Jordan Fuller, 84, suicide;
Sept. 6, Hannah E. (Gammon) Hill 55; Sept. 22, George E. Tubbs,
treas. Savings Bank, 58; Sept. 20, in Saco, Dr. Clifford L. Pike 50;
9, So. Framingham, Mass., Orlando C. Houghton 78; 24, Mrs. Selden
C. Foster 40; Oct. 7, Mrs. Priscilla Foster 74; 8, Mrs. Charlotte Frost
91; Nov. 28, Bolster’s Mills, J. Colby Frost 75; 26, Mrs. Marcia B.
Charles 87; 27, at Gardiner, Mrs. James L. Partridge abt. 89; Dec.
20, at Topsham, Frank C. Whitehouse 64; 17, Thomas A. Sawin 74;
26, Boston, Susan D. Crockett 67; 25, Columbus Richardson 75.
1910
Rev. Robert J. Bruce accepted a call as pastor of the Congrega¬
tional society in October. — Halley’s comet made its appearance in the
heavens in April. It could be seen for about three months. The last
time it was seen before was in 1845. — The ice went out of the lake
April 5. Since 1899, the record showed the following dates of its disap¬
pearance: 1900, April 22; 1901, April 21; 1902, April 10; 1903, April
11; 1904, May 2; 1905, April 22; 1906, April 26; 1907, April 30; 1908,
April 26, and 1909, April 27. — C. F. Whitman was elected Clerk of the
Courts for the 5th time. — Verne M. Whitman was elected principal of
the high school at Laconia, N. H. He was then teaching at Milford,
N. H. Laconia has since (1923) been his residence, having taught
thirteen years there. — John A. Woodman sold the Beal’s Tavern in
April and retired from the hotel business. — Mr. and Mrs. Don C. Seitz
270
HISTORY OF NORWAY
on their trip around the world, were entertained in Japan in July, by
Baron Shidahara. — Stuart W. Goodwin was census enumerator this
year for the village and Gorge Robinson for the rural districts. There
was in the village a population of 2215, and outside 787 ; total,
3002. — Good skating on the lake in November and part of December. —
Deaths: Jan. in Brookline, Mass., Claudius A. Noyes 90; 2, Bryant
Pond, Andrew Hill 80; 17, Portland, Mrs. Thos. Smiley 53; Feb. 3,
Frank R. Taylor 67; 5, Rev. Bates S. Rideout 56; Jan. 31, Mrs. Win¬
field S. Cordwell 71; Feb., So. Paris, Edwin Morgan 67; 10, Wallace
D. Cole 70; Feb. 13, Hon. Herrick C. Davis in his 85th year; Feb. 9,
Lucy M. (Felt) Davis 80; 18, Portland, Dr. Marcus F. Brooks 63;
18, Sarah M. Cole 61; 27, Geo. W. Locke 71; Mar. 8, Lewiston, Tim
Smith 76 yrs. 4 mos. For many years hostler and all round man at
the Elm House.— 20, Chas. F. Greenleaf; Apr. 17, Maria Pottle 72;
May 19, Cambridge, Mass., Arthur E. Denison 62; June 5, Abby
(Cox) Bosworth 68; 10, Harriet (Upton) Stevens 91; 15, Susan E.
Libby 81; 22, Harlan S. Flint 66; 28, Alonzo B. Brickett 60; 28, in
Buckfield, James B. Chaffin 66; July 2, Lavinia (Dunn) French 69;
July, Swansea, N. H., Langdon W. Moore, Norway Savings Bank
robber; he had quietly lived there about four years; 8, No. Stratford,
N. H., Drusilla (Wiley) Danforth 77; she survived her husband 20
years; Aug., Orville W. Collins at So. Framingham, Mass., 55; left
widow and two daughters by first marriage; Sept. 9, Allston, Mass.,
Chas. E. Freeman 52; 16, Soldiers Hospital, Chelsea, Mass., Gardner
B. Boynton of Lynn; Sept. 23, Albert C. McCrellis 65; 28, Mrs.
Angelia (Tucker) Favor 71; 24, in Los Gatos, Cal., Benj. H. Noble 77;
Oct. 20, at Maine General Hospital, Amasa B. Robbins 68; Oct. 7, at
Cliftondale, Mass., Gertrude (Hathaway) Briggs 50; Nov. 1, Lavinia
B. (Ames) Holt 69; 26, Stephen H. Cummings 78; Dec. 9, Stephen
Merrill 86; 17, Mrs. Walter E. Foss 48; Dec. 13, at Togus, Darius F.
Pike 72.
1911
A postal savings bank system was installed at the post office during
the summer. In September the people of the state voted on the
proposition to change the constitution relating to the prohibition of
the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors. The vote in Nor¬
way was: yes, 216; no, 354. In the county: yes, 2472; no, 3804. In
the state the no vote had about 300 majority. This section was
actively canvassed and meetings were held by Rev. B. C. Wentworth,
C. F. Whitman and others. — Deaths: Jan. 27, George Merrill 78; 27,
Hudson, Mass., Barbara E. Buswell 85, interment in Norway; Feb. 19,
Joseph A. Bradley 81; 22, Farmington, Albert H. Williamson 56; 18,
Chas. F. Whitney 63; 25, Mrs. Harriet Damon 86; 25, Asenath
(Hutchinson) O’Brien 78, interment in Pine Grove; Mar. 5, Ansel H.
Cushman 81; 4, Mary T. Needham 85; 9, Chas. E. Holt 76; 18, Eliza¬
beth B. Tubbs 73; 19, Cyrus Woodsum 85; 9, in Los Gatos, Cal., Caro¬
line (Shedd) Noble 77; 21, Mary (Marston) Hall 85; 25, in Brook¬
line, Mass., Rowena (Cox) Noyes 86; Apr. 6, Hezekiah P. Stetson 74;
in Poland, Chas. S. Everett 80, the last of 11 brothers, all born in
Norway; his brother David had died 11 days before; 20, on town farm,
David Holt 60; 24, Weston Frost 75; Apr. 9, Emily (Parsons) Sprinz
HISTORY OF NORWAY
271
69; Apr., in Hyde Park, Mass., Ella Waite Cobb 59; 28, in Lincoln,
Neb., Henry Robie 73; May 1, Mrs. Callie (Burnham) Robie 72;
8, Auburn, Mrs. Florence Andrews 47; May, at Center Meredith, N.
H., Mrs. Dorcas A. (Brown) Sanborn 85'; May 23, Mrs. Christine
Stephens 64; 16, Bethel, Mary (Kimball) Gorham 80; 30 in Oshkosh,
Wis., Joseph H. Porter 89; June 2, Peter B. Buck, holder of Boston
Post cane; June 1, Arthur E. Norseworthy 49; 10, Leon Merle Wat¬
son, drowned, 17; 8, Mrs. Mary A. Whitney 88; 15, Marlboro, Mass.,
Jonathan S. Herrick 66; 25, Clara (Tuttle) Downing 53; 21, Nancy
C. Gary 86; July 8, Milton H. Merriam 71; Aug. 14, New York, Rev.
Wm. C. Stiles 60; Aug. 10, Frank M. Ross 68; 11, Diantha L. (Frost)
Haskell 81; Sept. 3, Sarah P. Newhall 72; Oct. 5, Waterville, Sewell
W. Pratt 79; 18, Lydia T. Fogg 83; Nov. 16, Fannie E. (Clark)
Leavitt 52; Dec. 9, Clara H. (Dunham) Hathaway 73; 11, Horace
Pike 63; 12, Roscoe Bradbury 68; 23, Susan A. Bonney 78.
1912
The political quarrel between Taft and Roosevelt, this year, came
near destroying the republican party and the democrats elected their
candidate for President and a majority of the lower house of Con¬
gress. There had been no break in September in Maine in these fac¬
tions and the republicans elected their state ticket. — The jury list
was revised this year. Sixty names were put into the jury box. —
Dea. Wm. H. Porter celebrated his 90th birthday, May 8, and Mrs.
Miriam (Bisbee) Libby her 81st, Nov. 30.— Deaths: Jan. 9, Dr. An¬
nette Bennett 53; 24, Mrs. Rebecca W. Knight 67; 29, in Lincoln, Neb.,
Sumner W. Burnham 67; he was 2nd Lieut, in Co. C 17th Me. from
Norway; he had served in both house and senate in the Nebraska
legislature; Mar. 9, Freeland Howe 78, result of falling on the ice
and breaking hip bones. He had been in the insurance business
(coming here from Sumner) for 59 years; 9, Adam Kinsley 76; 10,
Cordelia (Watson) Grover 83; 28, Fernald Y. Sawyer 71; 22, Med¬
ford, Mass., Chas. E. Dunn 74; 19, Mrs. Otto Schnuer 63; Apr. 19,
James K. French 67; 28, Sarah (Shackley) Bartlett 69; May 8, Geo.
A. Cole 69; 29, Portland, Eben Marston 86; June 12, Ella A. (Ben¬
nett) Noyes 56; 8, Portland, Dr. Warren R. Evans 76; 16, Orin
Brown 65; July 3, Chas. W. Dinsmore, a Civil War soldier, 73; 2,
Somerville, Mass., wid. Geo. W. Millett 78; 7, Isannah J. Judkins 72;
9, Sylvia M. Bennett, following a surgical operation; 16, wid. Emeline
(Stevens) French 79; 27, Abijah A. Reed 86, suicide; Aug. 8, wid.
J. E. Budden 85; Sept. 20, Salem, Mass. Hospital, Wm. W. Twombly
67; Nov. 20, Lilia Maud (Meserve) Favor 42; Dec. 19, W. Scott Part¬
ridge 65; 21, Gerald Thompson 22, drowned while skating on the
lake; Dec. 25, in Portland, Frank E. Bell 54; 20, Jonathan Star-
bird 76.
1913
Frank A. Danforth at Southern Pines, N. C., celebrated his 80th
birthday, April 14. — The weather was so warm April 21, that open
cars were run on the electric railroad for the first time this year. —
Rev. Merrill C. Ward accepted a call from the Universalist Church
society to become its pastor. — Miss Grace Bicknell, teacher for several
272
HISTORY OF NORWAY
years at the Parker Institute, Watertown, Mass., visited Europe,
going across the ocean in the summer. — Work began on the village
sewer this year. — Mrs. Abiah (Towne) Frost, widow of Lewis Frost,
celebrated her 95th birthday, Aug. 26, in Lowell, Mass. — Deaths: Jan.
2, Mrs. Sarah J. Stiles 69; 12, Miriam (Bisbee) Libby 81; do, Aaron
Page 72; 17, in Augusta, Henry C. Bradford 80; Jan. 19, Mrs. Han¬
nah H. Jordan 71; 29, Louise (Dudley) Allen 88; Feb. 25, Auburn,
Lee M. Watson 40, suicide; 22, So. Portland, Rev. C. A. Brooks 58; 28,
Adelaide (Wilson) Sanborn 62; 27, Wid. Hannah E. Stearns 76;
24, E. Otisfield, Thos. J. Everett 72; Mar. 11, Ellen (Scribner) Brad¬
bury 81 nearly; 13, Warren E. Bartlett 50; Apr. 6, Oxford, Henry
Freeman 51; 17, Enoch P. Bartlett 88; 19, Salome (Durgin) Walker
90; 27, in Boston, Mrs. Kate (Frost) Jones 69; May 10, Catharine
(Foster) Andrews 71; 17, Clara E. Hamlin 74; 24, Eugene W. Bart¬
lett 52; June 10, Sophia H. Davis 83; June 24, in Lynn, Mass., Lewis
P. Bartlett 62; 28, Wid. Addie M. Rowe 59; 30, Chas. C. Hill 80;
July 28, Wid. Mary L. Howe 77; Aug. 12, Jerusha M. Abbott 81;
Aug. 5, Martha A. Cordwell 80; 20, Morrill M. Fuller 71; 22, in
Augusta, Anna V. Bennett 61; 19, in Montreal, John W. Swan 54;
Sept. 4, in Taunton, Mass., Alonzo Palmer 77; 12, Auburn, Chas. F.
Bartlett 40; 22, in Lynn, Mass., Allen F. Bartlett abt. 56; Sept. 19,
Cent. Me. Hospital, Sampson Scribner 69; Oct., Me. Gen’l Hospital,
Charles E. Brown 65; Nov. 1, Cent. Me. Hospital, Herbert F. Richard¬
son 62; Dec. 20, do., Merritt Frost 56; Dec. 4, Frank S. Gammon 76;
Dec. 15, Haverhill, Mass., Abner B. Chase 84; Dec. 25, Ellen (Hobbs)
Crockett 76; 27, in Boston, Mary Emeline Reed 78; Dec. 29, Mrs.
Melissa Libby 94.
1914
The democratic patrons of the Norway Post Office had a caucus
Jan. 21, to indicate their preference for postmaster. It resulted as
follows: Frank E. Decoster 146, W. A. Lewis 80, A. L. F. Pike 30,
W. S. Bickford 2. Decoster was appointed in June. — The Carroll-
Peabody Company of Haverhill, Mass., shoe manufacturers, located
here this year, the L. P. Bartlett Company having given the factories
up after Mr. Bartlett’s death in June, 1913. It was understood that
Mr. Samuel H. Hayden started the negotiations. — The ice went out
of the lake April 25. — Clark & Wilbur of Bolster’s Mills, purchased
the C. L. Hathaway lumber plant. — Mark W. Chandler, station agent
of the Grand Trunk R. R. Co., resigned his position in Sept, and re¬
tired on half pay — he having been in the company’s service about 50
years. — Mt. Washington came into the possession of the U. S. Gov¬
ernment in the summer. — In Nov. the Norway National Bank began
working under the Federal Reserve system. — The Great World War
began in August by Germany’s invasion of Belgium. There was no
adequate cause for it. It ended four years and three months' later,
after an appalling sacrifice of many millions of lives, and billions of
treasure. — Dr. B. Frank Bradbury went overseas to enter the hospital
service in the Red Cross, in Germany. — Miss Grace Bicknell who had
been in Germany, was fortunate to get away and reach home in
Sept. — Deaths: Jan. 3, Mrs. Chas. E. Gilbert, a French native of
Canada 69; 8, in Portland, L. M. Longley, sen., 87; 22, Mrs. Margaret
HISTORY OF NORWAY
273
A. Libby, 78, many years president of the ladies’ Browning Club; 24,
in P. Q., Canada, Anthony Lafariere 70, interment in Rustfield; Feb.
16, Mrs. Sarah E. Packard 79; 19, Agnes J. Kelly 61; 20, Solomon
H. Millett 69; 27, Jackson Clark 81; Mar. 5, Geo. I. Cummings 45,
fatal accident; 15, Daniel S. Davis at town farm, 83; Apr. 18, Levi
Thompson 74; May 2, Chas. L. Hathaway 74; 7, Mrs. J. L. Partridge
71; 24, at Fryeburg, Anna (Chase) Noyes 72; 26, Wid. Vesta
(Briggs) Frost 80; 31, Cambridge, Mass., Wid. Sarah E. Hill 86;
July 9, Wid. Betsy Jane (Chandler) Bacon 76; 25, Benj. McAllister
20, drowned; 25, Alma (Greenleaf) Bailey 59; Aug. 5, Lydia A.
Fuller 77; Sept. 5, Mrs. Maria M. Ryerson 72; 25, Mrs. Harriet M.
Hosmer 79; Oct. 3, Wrentham, Mass., Laura J. Reed 77; 13, Horace
C. Oxnard 74; 9, Cynthia A. (Perham) Lapham 75; Nov. 8, Wood-
fords, Maj. Henry R. Millett 79, interment in Pine Grove; Nov., St.
Albans, S. H. Goodwin 65; 24, Brookline, Mass., David W. Noyes 67;
14, in Charlotte, N. Y., Rev. Samuel G. Davis 68; Dec. 9, Clara
(Bacon) Hosmer 52; Dec. 10, Dr. Frank N. Barker 60.
1915
A wireless station was installed by V. W. Hills in January for
obtaining the time, daily from Washington. — The ice went out of the
lake April 15. — A new shoe manufacturing company began business
in the old factory this year. It made children’s shoes. The members
of the company were Col. A. J. Stearns, Capt. Lucian W. Blanchard of
Rumford and D. E. Morrison of Providence, R. I. — The Partridge store
at Norway Lake village was destroyed by fire Sunday morning, July
25. The loss to the owners, Witt & Dunn, was heavy; property
only partially insured. — Mrs. Alma Pendexter Hayden and Mrs. Mollie
W. Whitman composed poems on the war, which the English queen
and .the wife of the Governor-General of Canada highly praised. —
Mrs. Harriet (Porter) Millett celebrated her 92d birthday Aug. 20. —
C. F. Whitman published the Buckfield History in the autumn. —
Deaths: Jan. 5, Yarmouth, Mrs. Helen H. Austin 49; 22, Amos Barker
85; 25, Portland, Ellen T. Wetzler 73; 21, Sam’l H. Legrow 75; 19,
Viola E. Swan 78; 27, Capt. Wm. C. Brooks 88; 24, Wid. Lydia A.
(Parsons) Titcomb 65; 29, Esther R. Whitehouse 70; Jan., Marietta,
Ga., Warren E. Crockett, a “Rough Rider” b. in Norway, 58; Mar. 2,
Cassie Smith 67; 13, Lynn, Mass., David Young 80; 10, Silas W.
Rowe 74; 20, Agnes (Tucker) Brown 40; 18, in Bath, Geo. W. Hunt
70; Apr. 4, Caroline A. Wetherbee 77; 12, Hon. Alfred S. Kimball
72; Apr. 17, James L. Partridge 77, and Diana (Briggs) Starbird 79;
24, in Brewster, Mass., Rev. Edward S. Cotton 60; May 4, Mrs. Ava
Y. Bradbury 53; Apr. 30, Susan (Pike) Kelley 82; May 10, Seba H.
Gammon 74; 27, Miss Mary F. Hooper 24 yrs. 7 mos. ; June 4, Ches¬
ter W. Horne 65; July 16, Wm. J. Lewis 70, suicide; 20, Geo. W.
Wood 53, suicide; 16, Merritt F. Damon 85; 20, in Waltham, Ella
(Sanderson) Chase 64; Aug. 5, Albion Buck 91; Aug., in Manitou
Springs, Colo., Wm. B. Tee 86; 18, Rochester, N. Y., Chas. F. Part¬
ridge 57; Sept. 1, Ephraim F. Wood 85; 26, at Mechanic Falls,
Laurestine L. Denison 90. interment in Pine Grove; 25, Sewell Austin
73; Oct. 4, Wilbur W. Pride 75; 9, Susan R. (Marston) Ryerson 80;
274
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Jason F. Rowe 74; 13, Persis R. Bradbury 80; 21, Henry Hodgdon
75; 23, Worcester, Mass., Ralph I. Trask 44; Nov. 11, G. Frank
Monroe 73; Dec. 19, Cora (Whitman) Greenleaf 52; Dec. 24, Wid.
Harriet (Grover) Foster 70.
1916
The old Elm House, a famous hostelry in its day, was torn down
this year, to give place to a fine building for the post office, auto sales
rooms, law office and tenements. — There was a great freshet in May — •
the water in the lake rising nine inches in twelve hours. — Frank
Young and wife of Auburn and Minnie Chamberlain of Lakeport,
N. H., were drowned in the lake near Gibson’s Grove, Aug. 23. — The
republicans in Maine in Sept, had a sweeping victory but lost in
Nov. in the national election by the defection of Ohio, Kansas, Cali¬
fornia and several other western states. — The Norway Company of
the National Guard was sent to Texas in June, to patrol the Mexican
border. Capt. Moses P. Stiles commanded it. On return of the
CAPT. MOSES P. STILES
company in November, the officers and men were given a reception.
C. F. Whitman gave the address of welcome in which he paid a high
tribute to the citizen soldiery of the country, who in every war had
carried the stars and stripes to victory. Remarks were also made by
Rev. C. G. Miller, Rev. Robert J. Bruce and others. — The shoe manu¬
facturing company from Haverhill which had been reorganized as
the Carroll- Jellison Company entered this year on a great and success¬
ful period of business which has lasted through the war and is now
(1922) established on a very firm basis. — Deaths: Jan., at Amesbury,
Mass., Arthur H. Swan 44, interment at Pine Grove; 15, at Stoneham,
Hon. Jonathan Bartlett 78; Mar. 2, Silas D. Andrews 78; 14 at New
Haven, Conn., Eugenia P., wife of Prof. Sidney I. Smith; Apr. 3,
Stephen L. Ethridge 76; June 12, at Boston, Chandler Garland, former
jailer at Paris Court House, 65; June 18 at Paris Hill, Mrs. Columbia
(Rawson) Parris 102 yrs. 3mos. 21ds. ; July 20, Wid. Alice N. (Shedd)
Frost 87; 28, at Minneapolis, Minn., Elliott C. Allen 73; Aug. 24,
Almira (Smith) Foster 78; 29, Dr. Prudent Bedard 63; Aug. 25,
Clara Perkins 81; Oct. 3, James Danforth 77; 14, Francis (Barrows)
HISTORY OF NORWAY
275
Partridge 65; Oct. 24, Sarah M. (Whitehouse) Pike 74; Geo. H. Rus¬
sell Bennetc 53; 27, Darius S. Sanborn 74; Nov. 2, Irene G. (Plum¬
mer) Locke 75; 12, Mary E. Kneeland 74; Dec. 9, Leonard Flint 76;
Dec. 15, Capt. Wright Bisbee 83; Dec. 24, Minnie (French) Stone 55’.
1917
John A. Roberts was chosen by the Legislature in January for
his second term as Commissioner of Agriculture. He died before his
term expired.— Talbot Mundy’s “King of the Kyber Rifles,” a tale of
India, was issued in book form in January. — Mrs. Clara (Ames)
Hayden celebrated her 88th birthday Jan. 25.— Rev. Caroline E.
Angell passed to the higher life at Portland, Mar. 28, at the age of
75. — War was declared against Germany in April, by the U. S. The
Norway Company (D) left on the 30th for Biddeford for guard
duty. — Free mail delivery was established in the village May 1, with
two routes, — Lynn St. being the dividing line. Floyd Haskell and
Wm. A. Lewis were the carriers. — Prof. Herbert L. Russell, principal
of the Academy at Owego, N. Y., died Apr. 11, aged 52. — Dea. Wm.
H. Porter celebrated his 95th birthday at his home at Steep Falls,
May 8. He held the Boston Post cane. — Levi Shedd, a native of Nor¬
way, Civil War soldier, sheriff and Co. Com. of Coos Co., N. H., passed
away May 8, at his home at West Paris, “aged 84.”— The monument
in memory of the Revolutionary soldiers of the town and county
erected in Witherell Park was dedicated with appropriate services,
June 14. The presentation was by Miss Margaret Baker and C. F.
Whitman gave the address. — Twenty-three students graduated at the
high school in June. Several entered college the following autumn. —
Lawrence M. Carroll was elected in Sept., president of the State Fair.
He wrought a great change in its finances. — Marriages during the
year, 49; births, 74; deaths, 58.
1918
Rev. Melbourne O. Baltzer of the Mexico parish accepted the call
of the 2d Norway Congregational Church society to become its pas¬
tor. — The ice went out of the lake Apr. 24. — Rev. H. H. Rider of San¬
ford conducted mission services for several months at the Episcopal
church on Paris street. — John B. Hazen, a Civil War soldier in the
First Me. Cav., died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Richard
Dietrich in Auburn, May 12, aged abt. 82. — C. F. Whitman delivered
the Memorial Day address at Oxford, May 30. — Donald B. Partridge
was elected clerk of courts in Sept. — Twenty-one students graduated
at the high school this year. — A great earthquake shock, lasting from
ten to fifteen seconds, occurred on the morning of Aug. 21. Many
buildings were severely shaken. — Hon. Bertrand G. Mclntire was the
democratic candidate for Governor this year. — In October an epidemic
of influenza broke out and raged with more or less violence for several
weeks. The October term of the Supreme Court at Paris was ad¬
journed for a pfriod in consequence.— A general armistice among the
belligerents in the Great World War was declared Nov. 11, and the
disastrous conflict ceased. The news was received everywhere with
great rejoicing.
276
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1919
The ice left the lake Apr. 14. — Efforts were made in the winter to
procure the regular running of the electric cars of the Norway and
Paris St. Ry., but ended in final abandonment. — It was decided at the
annual town meeting for one selectman to be chosen each year and
hold his office for three years. — Early in this year, Lt. Stuart M. Ter¬
rier, son of Mrs. Judge Morrill N. Packard of Baltimore, Md., by
her first husband, in the aviation service of the U. S., lost his life off
the Virginia coast by his airship becoming unmanageable. He was
a young man of splendid ability and many noble and manly qualities. —
The home-coming of the soldier boys from the Great World War was
celebrated with appropriate services on the Fair Grounds, June 9.
Hon. B. G. Mclntire gave the address of welcome. An original poem
by Mrs. Alice B. Maxim was read by Donald B. Partridge, and Col.
Hume and Gen. Edwards made speeches. — Albert A. Towne, who had
resided in Aroostook County for several years, returned to Norway
in July to permanently make his home on the old homestead in Yag-
ger. — Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Smith observed the 50th anniversary of
their wedding, Sept. 22. — Frank Q. Elliott died at his home on Cres¬
cent St., Nov. 6, aged 76. — Norway had 820 of school age this year.—
A Post of the American Legion was organized in the autumn and
named “William H. Stone Post No. 82.” — Marriages, 46; births, 55;
deaths, 43.
1920
Big snowfall in February and March. — The Central Maine Power
Company purchased in the winter, the water powers and power and
electric lighting plant. — At the annual town meeting Alvin Brown was
elected selectman to serve for three years. — The street was paved with
cement to Paris town line this year. — Hon. John A. Roberts, Commis¬
sioner of Agriculture, died at Augusta in March. — Geo. A. Brooks
passed away at his home on Water St. after several weeks sickness,
Apr. 11. — Mr. True C. Morrill, Supt. of Schools, resigned to accept
the same position in the Bangor schools. W. E. Stuart was chosen
to succeed him.— Donald B. Partridge gave the Memorial Day address
here May 30. — The graduating class, Norway High School, numbered
30. _ Hon. B. G. Mclntire was the democratic candidate for Governor
again this year. — The republicans carried the country at the national
election and elected Warren G. Harding of Ohio, President. Law¬
rence M. Carroll was elected as representative to the Legislature. —
Transportation between Norway and South Paris by bus, established
during the latter part of the year. — Marriages, 45; births, 66;
deaths, 46.
1921
An agricultural course was established at the high school in Jan¬
uary with Edward H. Brown of Bethel, director. — Rev. M. O. Baltzer
resigned as pastor of the Congregational Church society in J anuary. —
Wilford G. Conary was elected town clerk at the annual town meet¬
ing and Robert F. Bickford, treasurer.— Wilham W. Whitmarsh, a
Captain in the Civil War, town clerk, county commissioner and popu-
HISTORY OF NORWAY
277
lar landlord of the old Elm House, died Mar. 29, aged nearly 86. — Dr.
Albert Thompson, lumber dealer, mine owner and able business man
died at his home in Philadelphia, Pa., Apr. 24.— Rev. O. E. Barnard
accepted a call as pastor of the 2d Congregational Church society in
April. — Main St. was paved with cement to the old tannery bridge
and from the Jason Rowe place to corner of Alpine St. — Hon. Alton
C. Wheeler of South Paris delivered the Memorial Day address here
this year, and C. F. Whitman at Bethel. — Forty-one students grad¬
uated at the high school in June. — Herman L. Horne passed to the
higher life in July. For many years he had been one of Norway’s
foremost business men. — The body of Wm. H. Stone was brought from
France and interred with military honors, in July, and the remains of
Ralph 0. Millett, in Sept. — Jesse Allard and Howard Moulton retired
from active business in August. — Mrs. Clara M. Elliott died in
October. — The Jackson-Greenlaw Co. was organized. — Rev. T. C.
Chapman became pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church society
in the summer. — The big dowel plant of the C. B. Cummings & Sons
Co. at Bemis was destroyed by fire this year. — Marriages, 44; births,
63; deaths, 34.
1922
The 93rd birthday of Mrs. Clara A. Hayden on Jan. 25 was ob¬
served as usual by her surviving children, grandchildren and great¬
grandchildren at her home on Pleasant St. She passed to the higher
life April 29, following, retaining her faculties almost to the last.
She was an exemplai'y lady, respected and loved by all. — Frank T.
True passed away at his home in Council Bluffs, la., where he had
lived since leaving Norway, from a stroke of apoplexy, Mar. 20, at
61, and Prof. Richard E. Clement at the same age at a hospital in
Elizabeth, N. J., following a surgical operation May 6. — Rev. Chester
G. Miller gave the Memorial Day address here.— Rev. Charles R.
Tenney received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Tufts College
in June. — Hon. B. G. Mclntire was the democratic candidate for
Congress in this ditrict. — The republicans carried Maine at the
State election and elected Percival P. Baxter Governor. — Albert A.
Towne of Norway was elected as the democratic representative to
the Legislature. — Rev. J. A. Seitz, former pastor of the Universalist
Society of Norway, passed to the higher life, at his home at Cos Cob,
Conn., Sept. 30, at the age of 85.
The following survivors of the War of the Rebellion were living
in Norway at the close of the year:
W. Frank Cox 79, Winfield Scott Cordwell 82, Edward R. Knee-
land 81, Dennis Marr 81, David A. Jordan 79, Moses E. Kimball 78,
W. Oscar Needham 77, Freeland Young 78, David Flood Jr. 81, George
Seavey 80, Clarence M. Smith 76, Levi E. Holden 77, Albert P. Bassett
73, Thaddeus Cross 77, and Henry A. Bickford 75.
Only Cox, Flood, Needham, Smith and Holden served on the quota
of Norway, and only two others who so served, Charles F. Millett of
Auburn and Edward F. Stevens, a resident of Massachusetts, were
living at the close of 1922.
Cross, Smith and Bickford have since passed away.
278
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XLI.
The Great World War.
The greatest and most destructive conflict the world has ever
known, began in August, 1914, with the invasion of Belgium and
France, by Germany. The apparent cause for this was over some
affair in the Balkans and the imposition of conditions upon Serbia,.
France and Russia which could not in national honor be acceded to.
The real reason was an excuse for Germany to begin a contest long
contemplated to make that country the dominant power among the
nations of the earth and the German race supplant the English in
the commercial and literary world. If successful Germany would be
raised to a great material power — greater than Rome in the days of
the Caesars — whose principal of action should be — not righteousness
and justice — but that might would determine what was right. Her
leading men from Bismarck’s time when the French provinces of
Alsace and Lorraine were torn away from France in 1871, had
dreamed of, and planned for a time, when German policy would be su¬
preme among the nations; France lying helpless at her feet; Belgium
and Holland absorbed, giving her an outlet to the sea; Austria,
Bulgaria and Turkey her vassals, and England, and Russia humbled,
and with America, suppliants for her favors. The officers of her army
and navy, imbued with this spirit, like hounds in leash impatient to
be let loose, on every occasion drank “to the day.”
It came at last. But Little Belgium kept the inhuman hordes at
bay, till France was in a degree prepared, and France kept them
from Paris and the sea till English soldiers appeared on the battle
front. The “Huns” were stopped at the Marne, but not crushed. Twice
the situation was saved by Russia’s attacks in East Prussia and
Galicia. But a revolution in Russia in 1916 destroyed the efficiency of
its armies and the imperial authority, and once more Paris and the sea
were threatened. But they were held till in 1917, American troops —
never beaten in any war — went to the rescue, and a second time, — the
command of all the forces on the western front having at last been
given to one general (Marshal Foch) — the destroying masses were
again stopped at the Marne. The English Navy, which fortunately
was prepared at the opening of the great conflict, had from the first,
held the North Sea and had bottled up the German fleet in the Kiel
canal.
Italy, which had been neutral, joined the Allies and Austria was
forced to meet this new menace on her frontiers. Early in 1918,
notwithstanding the defection of Russia, the prospects of a speedy
termination of the conflict were very bright. In the summer, Bul¬
garia sued for peace, and was followed by Austria and Turkey. It
was apparent that the end at last was in sight. The Germans,
however, clung to their intrenchments and defied for a time the
allied forces from pushing them out of their holes in the ground,
and away from the famous “Hindenberg Line,” but American,
English and French valor triumphed in a series of engagements and
HISTORY OF NORWAY
279
at last, this line was taken. Germany sued for peace, an armistice
declared Nov. 11, 1918, and the war was at an end.
The results of the great conflict are almost beyond conception.
Germany has been dismembered and loaded with a debt, which it
cannot pay for several generations. The throne of the royal house
of the Hohenzollerns has perished and the Kaiser by a cowardly flight
into Holland, has saved himself the fate of Napoleon. The thrones
of the Hapsburgs and Romanoffs have also perished, and the Czar
and his family treacherously murdered, and Russia is being governed
by a set of fanatics, thugs and assassins, who rival in barbaric atroc¬
ity the sanscoulottes and communists of the French Revolution of the
18th century. This great empire, too, has been dismembered as has
Turkey. Austria has been almost destroyed. Poland has again risen as
a nation, from the smouldering ruins of the great and awful cata¬
clysm. France, mercilessly devastated in her northern borders, has
got back its two provinces, Alsace and Lorraine, and has a grip on
former German territory to the Rhine and in Africa. Italy, too, has
increased her dominions as have Greece and Roumania. Several new
nations have sprung into being. Great Britain has added two em¬
pires to her own — one in Africa, taken from the Germans, giving it
a stretch of country from the Cape of Good Hope to the Mediter¬
ranean Sea — the other in the Mesopotamian region and Palestine in
Asia, taken from Turkey.
The United States, which burdened itself with a debt of twenty-
two billions of dollars, and sacrificed nearly half as many lives from
the promising young men of the country as in the Civil War —
received nothing. It did not ask for any of the spoils of victory. It
was a struggle on our part for our own safety and welfare, for it
could be for nothing else under the Constitution of the United States,
yet it greatly assisted in the preservation of modern civilization and
world peace.
When the United States Government, in 1917, declared war on
Germany, it was felt from one end of the country to the other, that
the contest must be won at whatever cost. Never in any war were the
people, North, South, East and West, so unanimous and united.
Every town and city in the land was awake to the necessity of doing
its utmost with all its resources. The people of Norway — never be¬
hind in any crisis — in everything required, did more than its allotted
share. Their sons were among the American forces sent to France.
They fought at Verdun, Soissons, at Chateau-Thierry and St. Mihiel.
They were with the legions who broke the “Hindenberg Line,” and
in the trenches facing the enemy when the last gun was fired, and
the German standards were furled and laid at their feet. Their
career has been glorious in the extreme, but it has been at a great
sacrifice of thousands of the precious lives of the young and noble
ones of the country.
The following is a list of the boys from Norway who had a part
in the gigantic contest, as furnished by the Adjutant-General’s office
at Augusta.
Rank Organization Fkderal Service
280
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Name Rank Organization Federal Service
282
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284
HISTORY OF NORWAY
LT. FRANCIS S. ANDREWS SGT. WNI. H. STONE
The first Norway soldier to die was Peter W. Klain, Pt. Co. D,
stationed at Biddeford in the summer of 1917. He was fatally in¬
jured while on guard duty, May 18, by a moving freight train, and
died the next day. His parents, Morris and Rose R. Klain, were
born in Russia and were of the Jewish faith. He was born in Port¬
land, April 5, 1898, and was therefore, 19 years old.
Sergt. William H. Stone died in France from being gassed in
action, May 10, 1918. His parents were William H. and Theo. Viola
(McAllister) Stone. He was born in Norway, Nov. 22, 1891. He
volunteered for service May 2, 1917, and was the first Norway soldier
to sacrifice his life overseas. He was an exemplary young man. The
Norway branch of the Loyal Legion was named for him.
Corp. Luville E. McAllister was killed in action in France, July
20, 1918. He enlisted in Co. D in 1917 — having served a period on
the Mexican border. At the time of his entering the service, he was
employed in the shoe factory. His mother’s home was in Albany.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
285
Pt. Oscar Valley was killed in action in France, July 20, 1918. He
was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Valley of Water Street, Norway.
He enlisted in Co. D in 1917.
Pt. Cecil E. Brown died Sept. 25, 1918, at Camp Devens, Ayer,
Mass. His parents were Herbert O. and Ella (Myers) Brown of
Bethel, where he was born Jan. 18, 1893. He was a graduate of the
Norway High School and the Maine University Law School. He was
admitted to practice at the Oxford Bar in 1917 and opened an office
in Norway just before entering the army.
Pt. Wm. Harvey Snow died from pneumonia at Camp Devens,
Sept. 24, 1918. His parents, Harvey and Agnes D. Snow, came here
from Nova Scotia. He was born in Norway, Feb. 28, 1891, educated
in the schools of the village and was called into the service in June.
Pt. Ralph Oliver Millett, Field Art., died in France, Sept. 27, 1918,
from pneumonia. He was the son of Eugene D. and Rosa C. Millett
and was born in Norway, Jan. 12, 1894. He was called into the ser¬
vice in May, 1918.
Frances Ellen Bartlett, daughter of Charles L. and Elizabeth
(Stearns) Bartlett, formerly of Stoneham, but now residents of Nor¬
way, was born April 15, 1894. She graduated at Norway High School
and entered Bates College at Lewiston. She took a course at the
Mass. Gen. Hospital at Boston as a nurse and upon completing it,
joined the Harvard Units March 17, 1917, and went to France before
the declaration of war by our government. She returned home, and
in January, 1918, joined the Red Cross, and went to France again in
July and was stationed at Vichy on the Allier river — a tributary of
the Loire. There she took the infection from the diseased soldiers
and died Oct. 16, 1918. Her remains were brought home in 1921 and
buried in the family lot at East Stoneham. Miss Bartlett had a
pleasant and lovable disposition, and her early death will long be
mourned by her relatives and friends. No more precious life from
America was sacrificed in the Great World War.
Charles H. Merrill died in France, Oct. 3, 1918. He came to Nor¬
way from Hebron and was employed in the Smiley Dry Goods store
when he enlisted in the spring of 1917. His service was in the artil¬
lery branch of the army. He was a member of the Baptist church.
His home was with his grandmother, Mrs. Eurydice Sturtevant — his
parents being dead.
Lt. Francis Swain Andrews, born Aug. 5, 1898, was the son of
Herbert F. and Lena (Jordan) Andrews. He graduated at Norway
High School and entered Dartmouth College. During the war he
volunteered as a private in the college corps and was promoted 2d
Lieut, in aviation for his ability. He contracted disease while in the
service and died after his discharge, Jan. 2, 1920. Lieut. Andrews
was a young man of exceptionable ability and worth, being popular
with his associates and a general favorite with all who knew him.
286
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CHAPTER XLII.
Industries and Business Men.
The tracts of land in 1790 which were incorporated in 1797, under
the name of Norway, contained 110 inhabitants. Near the mills in
the future village, were Samuel Ames, the miller, and Thomas Cowen,
who operated the saw mill, with their families, and Benjamin Witt,
a blacksmith, then a young unmarried man.
The buildings consisted of a grain mill on the north side of the
stream, a saw mill on the south side, Mr. Ames’ dwelling house near
the “grist” mill, and Cowen’s cabin, near the saw mill. And during
that year or perhaps the next, the “Rust house on the hill” was built.
In 1800, when the 2d U. S. census was taken, Norway contained
609 people. Samuel Ames, William Beal, who then had charge of
the saw mill, Levi Bartlett, and Benjamin Witt, blacksmith, William
Reed, storekeeper, Bailey Bodwell, clothier, Peter Buck, shoemaker,
with their families, consisting of 53 persons in all, were living at
“Rust’s Mills.” It appears by the census lists for that year, that
Henry Rust and his wife with three males and one female, happened
to be here when this census was taken but Mr. Rust and wife at
least were not permanent residents.
A sketch of Norway village in 1825, by the late Sebastian S. Smith,
conveys a most vivid picture of the place at that date and is one of
the most interesting chapters of this history.
The population of the town in 1850 was 1963, and the village prob¬
ably contained between six and seven hundred inhabitants — approxi¬
mately a third of the people of the whole town.
After the establishment of the shoe business here in 1873, the vil¬
lage rapidly increased in population, and by 1890, had a larger number
of citizens than the rural districts. In 1910 the town had 3002
inhabitants, and in 1920, 2969 — about two-thirds of its people now live
within the village limits.
For three-quarters of a century, since the reputation of Norway
as a great center and desirable place for trade was established, it has
grown in importance in this respect. There is still an extensive back-
country which finds its natural outlet here, and many small villages,
whose citizens like to come to Norway to trade. It never had abler
nor more far-seeing business men than today. Its factories, its stores
and its banks have no superiors and but few equals in the state out¬
side of the big cities. Good roads lead to Norway from every
direction, Main, Paris and Cottage streets have cement pavings and
the whole village is lighted by electricity.
The principal industrial plant of the place is the Carroll-Jellerson
Shoe Company, manufacturers of women’s shoes. It does business in
the new shoe factory. It is a corporation organized in 1914. The
principal members are Lawrence M. Carroll, who is president and
general manager; Stephen O. Jellerson, who thoroughly understands
every part of the shoe business, and Edward J. Rafter — its
very efficient selling agent. It is a strong team. Through Mr. Car¬
roll’s efforts, the company was organized and its shoe business firmly
HISTORY OF NORWAY
287
established here. The people recognize this and elected him represen¬
tative to the Legislature in 1920. He was born in Ellsworth and is
fifty-four years old. Mr. Jellerson was born in Massachusetts, in
1879, and Mr. Rafter in 1886.
The daily output of the corporation is over 3000 pairs of shoes,
and from four to five hundred persons are employed. The weekly
payroll is from $8000 to $10,000. This company pays a voluntary tax
of $2500 — the second largest (1922) in town.
WALTER L. TUBBS CHAS.G. BLAKE
The second industrial plant in importance is the Norway Shoe
Company, doing business in the old shoe factory — and manufactur¬
ing children’s McKay shoes. It is a corporation organized in 1915;
Henry B. Foster, a Norway boy, is president and general manager.
Edward D. Packard, treasurer and general selling agent, and Law¬
rence M. Carroll, clerk. The daily output is over 1500 pairs of
288
HISTORY OF NORWAY
LAWRENCE M. CARROLL
shoes; from 200 to 250 hands are employed with a weekly payroll of
$350o’to $4000.
The third industrial plant is the C. B. Cummings & Sons Company,
manufacturers of spool stock, boxes, dressed lumber, dealers in lumber,
etc., and operators of a large grain and feed mill. The business of
this company was started by Mr. Charles B. Cummings, born in Nor¬
way, and carried on by him and his sons, and since his death, by his
sons, who have grown up in the business and have made it an im¬
portant industry. In 1916 the company was formed into a corporation
with a capital stock of $250,000. Stephen B. Cummings is president,
Edwin S. Cummings, vice-president and general manager, and Geo.
H. Cullinan, clerk and treasurer. Sales, half a million dollars per
year. About 100 hands are employed with a weekly payroll of $1500
to $2000. The corporation pays the largest tax in town ($3857.41
in 1922).
The fourth important industry is the manufacture of snowshoes
and skiis, by the W. F. Tubbs Co. It is a corporation with a capital
stock of $100,000. Walter F. Tubbs is president and treasurer, and
Ada R. Tubbs, clerk. Output: 14,000 pairs of snowshoes, and 60,000
pairs of skiis. Thirty-five hands are employed. The snowshoes made
are known as the “Peary Shoe.” Clarence M. Smith was the designer
and maker of a snowshoe that turned up at the toe. Alanson M.
Dunham, Jr., began making snowshoes at his home for the trade in a
HISTORY OF NORWAY
289
STEPHEN B. CUMMINGS
FRED HENRY CUMMINGS
CHAS. SUMNER CUMMINGS
EDWIN STAPLES CUMMINGS
GEO. IRVING CUMMINGS
290
HISTORY OF NORWAY
FRED E. SVI ITH
CHAS. N. TUBBS
HOWARD D. SMITH
HERBERT F. ANDREWS
BERTRAND G. MclNTIRE
HISTORY OF NORWAY
291
GEO. L. CURTIS
F. H. NOYES
292
HISTORY OF NORWAY
small way and employed Mr. Walter F. Tubbs and others. He broad¬
ened the toe of the shoe and made a long and short kind. Robert E.
Peary, the explorer, having by chance seen a pair of Dunham’s manu¬
facture, deeming them superior for his use to any he had seen, ascer¬
tained the maker, got into touch with him — with the result that he
had Dunham make for his party, the snowshoes he required for his
last two trips into the Polar regions. He afterwards said that
Dunham’s snowshoes never failed him, however bad the traveling
might be.
The fifth industry is the Novelty Wood Turning Co. It is a cor¬
poration of which H. Walter Brown is president and general manager
and has been in successful operation at Steep Falls for many years.
The building in which it did business, with a large amount of material,
was consumed by fire in January, 1923, but measures have been taken
by Mr. Brown to rebuild.
The H. F. Webb Company, a corporation, has a large corn fac¬
tory plant on the Norway Lake road. Delmar M. French is general
superintendent. The plant has been in successful operation for many
years. Its annual pack of sweet corn and succotash is about 500,000
cans. In the season of general operation from 75 to 100 persons of
both sexes are employed. The farmers plant for the factory from
200 to 250 acres of corn and beans.
The Central Maine Power Company, a corporation, owns the wa¬
terpower privileges of the lake, North and Hobbs ponds, and the
lighting and power plant. It has recently erected a fine brick office
building on Main Street. Several hands are regularly employed. It
paid the 3d largest tax in 1922 ($2246.54).
Charles G. Blake, a native of Norway, does a very large business
in dressed lumber and building materials, near the railroad station.
The business was originally established by the late Charles L. Hatha¬
way. Mr. Blake has been the owner for several years and under his
management the business has largely increased. Several hands are
employed the year round.
B. G. Mclntire and Glenn Mclntire, his son, do a large lumber
business. They ship from this station many thousands of feet to
customers outside the place.
The Norway National Bank was chartered in 1872 and opened
for business in April of that year in the place now occupied by Free¬
land Howe, Jr., as a music store. In 1882 it was moved to the new
block of the Norway Building Association which had just been erected.
This building was burned in the great fire of 1894, and the bank
was moved back when the new brick block was built. The fiist boaid
of directors consisted of Sumner Burnham, president, Freeland Howe,
A. C. Denison, G. G. Phelps, I. A. Denison, William Frost 2nd, and
Henry M. Bearce. Arthur E. Denison was appointed cashier. Mr.
Denison resigned in November, 1874, and his place was filled by How¬
ard D. Smith who occupied the position until January, 1919, when
he was elected president and his son, Fred E. Smith, was chosen
cashier. Fred E. Smith entered the bank in the fall of 1906 as teller.
During the first few years of the existence of the bank the cashier
was the only active officer and he was janitor, bookkeeper and all
HISTORY OF NORWAY
293
FRED S. BROWN
ALBION L. BUCK
Z. L. MERCHANT
MARGUERITE A. MERCHANT
HAZEL F. BICKNELL
HENRIETTA M. TAYLOR
294
HISTORY OF NORWAY
SAVINGS BANK
hands. Now six people are actively employed and at times extra help
is needed. This shows the wonderful growth of the institution. It has
always been the policy of the bank to take care of its local customers
and has never deemed it good banking to raise the rates to them when
money happened to be scarce in the great money centers of the coun¬
try. In addition to its commercial business, under the direction of the
United States Government it has a savings department, a foreign ex¬
change department, issuing checks payable in the currency of the
country on which they are drawn; travelers’ checks, good anywhere,
and is authorized to act as administrator or executor, or trustee of
funds set aside for particular purposes.
The present (1923) officers of the bank are: Howard D. Smith,
president; Henry B. Foster and Walter L. Gray, vice-presidents; Fred
E. Smith, cashier; Percy Y. Fogg, assistant cashier; H. F. Andrews,
C. G. Blake, H. B. Foster, B. G. Mclntire, H. D. Smith, C. N. Tubbs,
L. S. Billings, W. L. Gray, and E. W. Penley, directors.
The Norway Savings Bank, the oldest bank, and the largest
savings bank in Oxford County, is one of the soundest and best
managed savings institutions in the State.
It was organized in March, 1866. The incorporators were of the
principal business men of Norway. The first trustees were: Chas. C.
Sanderson, Ezra F. Beal, Horatio G. Cole, Ceylon Watson, Isaac A.
Denison, Robert Noyes and Thomas G. Goodwin, who elected Rev.
Nathaniel Gunnison, president; John Whitmarsh, vice-president;
Henry Upton, secretary, and Lee Mixer, treasurer.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
295
FRANK H. BECK
LEON M. LONGLEY
GEO. F. HILL
296
HISTORY OF NORWAY
The bank at first was located in the store of Lee Mixer, now the
Advertiser office, but in 1868 it purchased a lot and erected a building
for its own occupancy on the site of the present bank building. This
building was destroyed in the great fire of May, 1894, and a modern
building of brick was erected, equipped with modern fire proof vault
and safe deposit boxes.
The first person to make a deposit in the bank has always had a
balance with the Norway Savings Bank to the present day.
This bank has one of the largest and best equipped safe deposit
vaults that can be found outside of the large cities, and this has be¬
come an important part of the business.
Frank H. Noyes has been a trustee of the bank since March, 1884,
and president of the institution since April, 1915. Mr. Noyes takes
great pride in the successful management of the bank, and has
devoted much of his time and effort to it. ,
George L. Curtis, formerly agent of the Canadian Express Co.,
and town clerk, was chosen treasurer without solicitation, in. the fall
of 1909. Time has amply shown the wisdom of this selection. He
has the entire confidence of the trustees and the community. When
Mr. Curtis came to the bank in 1909 the total resources were $500,000,
with deposits of $480,000, and 2600 depositors. At the present tune
(Dec. 1922), the total rseources are $1,155,000, with a total deposit of
$1,075,000, and with about 4000 depositors.
These figures speak more forcibly of the able management of the
bank than any mere words of praise that could be written.
The present officers of the bank are: Frank H. Noyes, president,
Wm. F. Jones, vice-president; George L. Curtis, secretary and
treasurer; Frank H. Noyes, F. W. Sanborn, H. F. Andrews, G. L.
Curtis, J. N. Favor, W. F. Jones and S. W. Goodwin, trustees— all
successful business men.
The Norway Water Company owns the plant for furnishing the
people of the village with water from the lake. It has a pumping-
station on the shore, and a reservoir on Pike’s Hill. Dennis Pike is
the company treasurer and general manager.
The Municipal Court is presided over by Judge Wm. F. Jones, who
has recently received his fourth appointment..
The Public Library is well patronized, and is a very popular insti¬
tution. Miss Helen H. Holmes is librarian. . .
The Victor Amusement Company has its moving picture shows
in the Rex Theatre, on Cottage street. .. ,
The Norway Advertiser is a large newspaper plant, established
on a sound business. It is equipped with all the modern and up-to-
date appliances. The weekly circulation is some 3000 copies. Some
dozen hands are employed. Fred W. Sanborn is the owner and editor,
ably assisted by his nephew, Ralph S. Osgood.
The Beal’s Inn is one of the largest and best conducted public
houses in New England. It has long been a famous hostelry. F.
Robert Seavey is the landlord and owner.
The Norway Building Association owns the opera house block m
which is the town hall, used for shows, exhibitions, plays, etc., an
armory, town and corporation assessors’ office, the National Bank
HISTORY OF NORWAY
297
FRANK P. STONE
DR. FRED E. DRAKE
VIVIAN W. AKERS
EUGENE N. SWETT
298
HISTORY OF NORWAY
rooms and several stores. Judge Jones is general manager of the
affairs of the association.
Norway has two of the largest dry goods establishments to be
found in Western Maine. Mr. Zeb. L. Merchant came here from Ver¬
mont in 1911, and purchased the business of S. B. & Z. S. Prince, and
shortly after the “Abbott Block,” in which the store was located. The
first floor and basement are used in the business, and the second and
third floors have been elegantly fitted up for the residence of Mr.
Merchant and his wife, who assists her husband in the store. Mr.
Merchant has been wonderfully successful in business since coming to
Norway — both he and his wife being very popular with all classes of
our people. From seven to twelve clerks are employed.
RAYMOND H. EASTMAN
Brown, Buck & Co., the other dry goods establishment, does a
large business on the first floor and basement of Odd Fellows Block
on Main Street. Both Fred S. Brown and Albion L. Buck, the prin¬
cipal members of the company, are Norway boys, educated in our
schools and acquiring their commercial education in the employment
and stores of Mr. Thomas Smiley, who for many years was in success¬
ful business here and now has a very large establishment in Port¬
land and stores in other places in Maine. He is also financially in¬
terested in the store here. The firm of Brown, Buck & Co., was
formed in 1916. Two years later Mr. Brown moved to Portland to
take a position in Mr. Smiley’s store there, leaving Mr. Buck in
charge of the business here. This is a real tribute to Mr. Buck s
ability and integrity and more than any commendation of the writer.
Eight hands are employed. In the holiday season and special sales
days — some dozen clerks.
There are two ready-made clothing and gent’s furnishing estab¬
lishments in the place. The Lee M. Smith Co. store rooms are in
HISTORY OF NORWAY
299
Opera House block. The business was started on the same spot when
the first block was built, and there have since been several owners.
Mr. Lee M. Smith commenced business there as a clerk in Henry B.
Foster’s store and later purchased the concern which he has con¬
ducted for many years. It is one of the largest establishments in
the county.
The Blue Store, situated near the Beal’s Inn, was opened for the
same branch of business many years ago by Theodore L. Webb; later
it came into the chief possession of Frank H. Noyes, who spent the
best years of his life in enlarging and developing the business. L.
Fred Pike was taken into the store as clerk. He acquired an interest
in the business, a branch store was located at South Paris, he became
the owner cf the largest interest, and it is now run under the title of
L. Fred Pike Co.
The large house furnishing establishment in the Masonic block,
which for several years was under the management of Herman L.
Horne, is now owned and conducted by Raymond H. Eastman, who for
several years was clerk and teller in the National Bank, and while
there was a candidate for register of probate.
There are three boot and shoe stores. The largest is that of E.
N. Swett Co. in the Opera House block. Mr. Swett came here from
South Paris many years ago and entered the same store as clerk
and later became the chief owner and general manager. It is one of
the very largest concerns of the kind outside of the cities. Mr. Eu¬
gene N. Swett served for many years as town treasurer, and is a
deacon of the Congregational Church society. A cobbler’s shop is
connected with the store. Mr. Swett took into partnership a year
ago, R. C. Andrews of South Paris — the firm name remaining the
same.
Miss Edith M. Smith runs the boot and shoe store and manages
the business established by her father, the late James Smith, in the
old Noyes block. She is a very capable business woman.
The third boot and shoe store is located in the little building near
the bridge over the old tannery brook. It is run by A. W. Ramsdell.
A cobbler’s shop, established by the late E. M. Thomas, near With-
erell Park, is owned and operated by Victor L. Partridge.
The village has two millinery and dressmaking establishments.
One is owned and operated by Miss Henrietta M. Taylor in the Noyes
Drug Store block. The other, in the Opera House block, is owned
and conducted by M\ss Hazel F. Bicknell.
There are three drug stores. Frank P. Stone’s, a “Rexall” Store,
is in the new Hathaway block, which he now owns. It is one of the
largest drug stores in the county. Mr. Stone has been in business
here for many years, has been very successful, lives in a fine mansion
on Highland Avenue, and is one of the chief pillars of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
The Noyes Drug Store dates from the fifties of the last century.
The business was started by David F. Noyes in the old Noyes block,
corner of Main and Deering streets, where he kept the post office.
A. Oscar Noyes was his clerk and when his uncle moved to Lewiston,
he took over the business and continued it till his death. After him
300
HISTORY OF NORWAY
his widow run the store for several years, Kimball & Williamson
for a period and Frank Kimball alone for many years, and now (Jan¬
uary, 1923), the owner and operator is Lester V. Ashton, who was Mr.
Kimball’s faithful and efficient clerk for 18 years.
The third store is situated on the corner of Main Street and
Greenleaf Ave., in the Hobbs block, is owned and operated by Mr. A.
L. Clark, who came here from South Paris, established the business
and married Mr. George W. Hobbs’ daughter, Fannie. He has a
branch drug store at Old Orchard where the family spends the sum¬
mer season.
The jewelry sto^e of Bert L. Hutchins is in the Opera House block.
The business was established by Vivian W. Hills who came here in the
eighties from central Maine. Mr. Hills is an optician and optometrist
and still manages that part of the business.
W. F. Smith has a jewelry store in the Robert Noyes block. He
is the successor in the business of the late Fred A. Cole.
The harness business in the Tucker block on Main Street, is owned
and run by James Favor. The business was started by Benjamin
Tucker, over an hundred years ago. Mr. Tucker’s son, Benjamin, con¬
tinued it after his father’s death, then his son, Cyrus S. also to his
death, when James Favor, a nephew, succeeded him. It is a rare
occurrence in this section of the country where the same business
has been in Nthe same family for so long a period and quite likely
to continue for several generations to come in Mr. Favor’s family and
descendants.
The hardware stores number three. The largest is the L. M. Long-
ley & Son’s store in the Crooker brick block on Main Street. They
do an extensive business in plumbing and “tin knocking” in connec¬
tion with their hardware trade. Mr. Leon M. Longley came here from
Waterford, engaged in plumbing and later purchased the business
established by the late James O. Crooker. His son, Forrest, is the
junior member of the concern.
William C. Leavitt has been here in the same business for many
years, in the store on Main Street next between the Crooker block and
the Post Office. His son William is how associated with him. The
store is run under the name and style of Wm. C. Leavitt & Co.
The third hardware store is on Main Street near the Hobbs block,
managed under the name of S. J. Record & Co. After Samuel J.
Record’s death his son, Arthur N. Record, has run the store and also
the Ulmer Installment Co. connected with it.
Frank W. Murdock has a machine shop on Greenleaf Avenue
which he has operated for many years. He also does a plumbing-
business.
Llewellyn Cushman handles the larger part of the coal that is
used in the place, and has a large storage elevator for it in the
vicinity of the railroad station. He also does the chief part of the
trucking business.
Walter H. Cullinan is the village wood dealer. He succeeded to
this part of the business of his father, John P. Cullinan, who died
a few years ago.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
301
DENNIS PIKE
EUGENE E. ANDREWS
STUART W. GOODWIN
L. H. CUSHMAN
LEE M. SMITH
302
HISTORY OF NORWAY
VIVIAN W. HILLS
The gem cutting establishment is run by the Bickford brothers.
Henry Knox Bickford is the lapidary and Robert F. Bickford attends
to the selling, his office being in the Clark drug store. He is also
town treasurer.
Alton L. Curtis is in charge of the express business of the Cana¬
dian Express Company here, with an office in the Ryerson Hall
building. He has been its agent since 1909.
Howard B. Young is an electrician. For many years he was su¬
perintendent of the Norway and Paris Street Ry., and the power sta¬
tion at Steep Falls. He is a Norway boy, educated in our schools,
who has acquired a good business through systematic efforts and
faithful attention to his duties.
A bakery has been established on the corner of Cottage and Main
Streets, run by P. W. Twitchell who came here from Oxford.
The laundry is owned and run by Charles E. Bradford. He has
been in the business here for many years. His establishment is in
the old Hathaway block.
There are two insurance offices: Stuart W. Goodwin coming here
from Central Maine, went into the office of Freeland Howe as his
clerk. Mr. Howe had built up a large insurance business through
many years of labor, and at his death Mr. Goodwin purchased and
has since enlarged it. His office is in the same building that Mr.
Howe occupied. Mr. Goodwin served as town clerk and treasurer
for many years.
Dennis Pike’s insurance office is in Odd Fellows Block. He also
does an extensive business in real estate, and is treasurer and general
manager of the Norway Water Works Co.
Eugene Andrews came here from Lovell several years ago. He
does a large business in real estate. His office is near the railroad
station.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
303
JAMES N. TUBBS
C. A. RICHARDSON
LOUIS J. ROOKS
NORMAN U. GREENLAW
E. B. JACKSON
304
HISTORY OF NORWAY
A. G. PARRIN
ALMON L. COOK
O. M. CUMMINGS
FRED M. DAVIS
CHAS. A. FROST
HISTORY OF NORWAY
305
There are three barbers in the village. Josiah T. Rowe is the
oldest in point of service.
Almon L. Cook came here from Gorham in the eighties of the last
century. He first went into Rowe’s shop as his assistant, but after
two years, set up for himself and has continued the business of hair
dressing ever since. His son-in-law, Scott Kilbourn, is his assistant.
A. G. Parrin, a few years ago bought the barber business of Selden
C. Foster. His shop is near the Abbott block. He employs an
assistant.
Freeland Howe has a music store in his brick block on Main
Street.
John H. Fletcher has a confectionery store in the Tubbs building
near the Parrin barber shop.
C. G. Verenis, a Greek, has a fruit store in the Howe block.
Mellie W. Sampson, guide and owner of the lake steamer, does a
thriving business during the summer season.
George R. Stephenson is a boat builder, a business he has carried
on for many years. His shop is located near the steamer landing.
Herbert H. Hosmer is a boat builder and snowshoe maker. His
place of business is near his residence at the end of Whitman Street.
Vivian M. Akers has an art studio on Deering Street. He is an
artist of uncommon merit. Several of his drawings have been highly
praised and taken prizes at exhibitions.
Miss Minnie Libby has long had a studio on Cottage Street. Two
assistants are constantly employed.
There are a number of garages in the village. The Norway Buick
Company, organized in 1921, is located near the Post Office, with an
office in that building. George F. Hill, a graduate of North Bridgton
Academy, is general manager. Four men are employed.
The W. F. Knight Company is located on Deering Street. Willis
H. Kilgore is general manager. Several hands are employed.
The Norway Auto Company is located on the corner of Main and
Tannery Streets. Elon L. Brown is general manager. Three men
are constantly employed.
Howard S. Maxim’s garage is located on Greenleaf Avenue. He
does a large business.
There are many other places, where cars are repaired and let, and
gasoline sold.
Frank H. Hurd has a large blacksmith shop on Water Street. He
has been in business here for many years.
Frank J. Cook for several years has had a blacksmith shop on
Main Street below the old tannery bridge.
The Andrews Sales Stable has long had an established reputation
as a desirable place to obtain work or driving horses. The business
was built up by Albert F. Andrews and his sons, and is now conducted
by Herbert F. Andrews and his sons. Horses are regularly obtained
from the Middle West.
Orrington M. Cummings has a livery stable near his residence on
Danforth Street. He has been in the business for over half a cen¬
tury. He was born in Norway on the farm now owned by Harry M.
Jackson.
306
HISTORY OF NORWAY
HOWARD B. YOUNG
f
M. W. SAMPSON
ALTON L. CURTIS
HISTORY OF NORWAY
307
ROBERT F. BICKFORD
CAPT. WILFORD G. CONERY ' ALBERT A. TOWNE
The marble and monument works of J. Freeland Bolster are
located on Lynn Street and the undertaking establishment of Leroy
Spiller on Main Street.
The Norway Farmers Union has a large grain mill on the old
tannery lot. Fred H. Noble is the general manager.
The C. B. Cummings & Sons Company operate a large grain and
feed mill near the railroad station and do an extensive business.
W. L. Libby is the general manager. This company operates the saw
mill at the head of the village and several million feet of boards are
annually sawed.
There are a large number of painters and paper hangers, among
whom may be mentioned John F. Sampson, John F. Hutchins, Horace
P. Sawyer, and William B. Walker. George H. Bennett is a carriage
painter — his shop being located on Whitman Street.
There are many carpenters, contractors and builders in town. We
note a few of them: Woodbury M. Russell, Horace Kimball, Winfield
S. Sloan, Asa D. Frost, Oliver Merrill and Charles A. Frost. The
308
HISTORY OF NORWAY
last three are natives of Norway. Charles A. Frost was born in the
western part of the town, on his father’s farm. He early took an
interest in the joiner’s trade which he has followed with marked
success, doing fine work in Massachusetts, Norway and adjoining
towns, for half a century.
There are twelve grocery and provision stores in the village — five
of which deal in meats and two in fish and other sea food, and in
nearly every hamlet in town there is a general store.
Charles A. Richardson, a large dealer in meats as well as provi¬
sions, is located on the corner of Main and Bridge Streets. He has
been in business there for many years.
E. B. Jackson and N. U. Greenlaw, doing an extensive business in
provisions, meats, fish, etc., are located in the store on Main Street
formerly occupied by Henry J. Bangs. They own the building in
which they do business.
Louis J. Brooks, who has long been a groceryman, carries on his
large business in the building which he owns near the post office build¬
ing on Main Street. The old Levi Whitman law office built in 1804,
forms a part of the store.
Charles F. Ridlon has a large grocery store, crockery ware depart¬
ment, five, ten and twenty-five cent counters, etc., in the building on
Main Street formerly owned and occupied by Alonzo J. Nevers. Mr.
Ridlon has been in business here for over 50 years.
Opposite on the other side of the street is the A. & P. store, run
by Edwin P. Hood. It has been in operation here for several years.
W. L. Newcomb, a Norway boy, has a meat and provision store in
the Danforth block on the corner of Main and Danforth Streets. He
is doing a good business.
James N. Tubbs has a large grocery and meat trade in his father’s
store, corner of Main and Lynn Streets. The store was built and
the business established about fifty years ago.
Lewis I. Gilbert has a grocery store on Main Street, near the
high school lot. He has been in business nearly 40 years.
Howard L. Drake has a grocery store at Steep Falls where there is
also a second place for trade. Mr. Drake has been in business here
for many years.
James Pledge and Walter L. Luck have a meat market on Winter
Street, a slaughter house, with cement floor, running water and all
modern improvements which has recently been constructed by them.
The Norway Company of the National Guard has its headquarters
in the Opera House block. Wilford G. Conery was its first captain.
Harry Twitchell is now captain of the Co.
The principal town officers for 1922 are Alvin Brown, Arthur H.
Robbins and George F. Hathaway, selectmen; Wilford G. Conery,
clerk, and Robert F. Bickford, treasurer. Albert A. Towne is Rep. to
the Legislature.
The lawyers are Eugene F. Smith, Albert J. Stearns, Wm. F.
Jones, M. L. Kimball, Wilford G. Conery and Charles F. Whitman.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
309
The physicians and surgeons are: Bial F. Bradbury, Herman L.
Bartlett and Ivan Staples.
The dentists: Fred E. Drake, of some 50 years of service; Harry
P. Jones, a dentist since boyhood, and Arthur W. Easton, who gradu¬
ated from dental college and began business during, the World War,
in which he served.
Clergymen :
Rev. 0. E. Barnard, Congregational Church.
Rev. T. C. Chapman, Methodist Episcopal Church.
Rev. G. H. Newton, Baptist Church.
Rev. Fr. J. E. Redden, Catholic Church.
Rev. C. G. Miller, Universalist Church.
At the railroad station several trains arrive and leave daily and a
bus runs hourly to South Paris. There is telephone and telegraph
service, and from the foregoing it will be seen that there is everything
here in the village and town, for their full development, with indus¬
tries and business sufficient to keep all our citizens employed the
year round at good wages, and furnishing substantial profit and in¬
come for invested capital. Norway should be an ideal place to live in.
W- L. NEWCOMB
HOWARD L. DRAKE
310
HISTORY OF NORWAY
GEO. F. HATHAWAY
ALVIN BROWN
ARTHUR H. ROBBINS
HISTORY OF NORWAY
311
PART II
REV. TIMOTHY J. TENNEY
MRS. IZAH B. P. TENNEY
Rev. Timothy J. Tenney, whose biographical sketch appears in
the chapter on churches and clergymen, was pastor of the Universalist
Society in Norway for six years. He had literary tastes and attain¬
ments and kept a diary. It is thought that extracts from it during
the time he resided in Norway will be of special interest to a large
number of many of the old families, with which he was connected,
and of sufficient general interest to warrant its publication in this
part of the history.
312
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1840.
Jan. 1 — Rode to Hiram to deliver a temperance lecture. In the
evening had a small meeting — cold house and but little light. After
lecture returned to Br. Paine’s in Brownfield.
Jan. 2 — Visited I. B. P. G. (his future wife). Glad to find her
well or almost well. If I am interested for any one it is for her.
May the wisdom of God save her for a long and happy life — for many
innumerable blessings to her and those around her.
Jan. 3 — Returned to Fryeburg (where he was then located).
Jan. 5 — Preached from Isa. 55:1, 2, and Heb. 9:27. Cold and
small meeting.
Jan. 8 _ Rode to Waterford. In the evening Brs. Burr of Portland
and Thompson of Westbrook arrived to attend the discussion. Had a
conference with Mr. Hotchkiss who was attended by Messrs. Brown
and Sawyer.
Jan. 9— About 10 o’clock started for the Wesleyan Chapel, (was
this in Norway?) in company of a number of clergymen. Discussion
commenced after a brief address to the throne of grace by Mr. Brown,
a Methodist, and continued till 1 o’clock P.M. At 1.30 it was re¬
sumed and continued to 4.30. Br. Thompson closed with prayer.
This is the first public controversy I have been engaged in and it may
be the last, but I do not find anything to regret, after a careful
review of the controversy, and never felt more at ease or had a
better command of myself than in the very heat of the discussion.
I do not know what others may think of it, but I am fully persuaded,
that the doctrine of endless punishment must have abler defenders
than Mr. H. (Hotchkiss) or fall forever.
Jan 12 — Preached in Portland from I Tim. 5:8, Matt. 6:9, and in
the evening from I Sam’l 18:1. Br. Burr preached for me in Lovell.
Jan. 13— Visited Br. Thompson in W.
jan. 22— Took Izah and rode to Sebago to see Rebecca. From S.
to Hiram to visit Br. Spring. Today is my birthday, and I never
spent it more pleasantly. Thirty-three, and all these years have
passed in single life. I would not have thought it when I was 16.
For good reasons I have lived as I have. — This is my confidence but
next April a dear object I shall hope will be mine forever.
jan 23 _ Very stormy but rode to D. covered with snow and yet
there was not enough of it to cool the warmth of reciprocal affection.
Jan. 26 _ And I am yet in D. Did not preach but heard a sermon
read by Dr. Sawyer. . . , .
jan. 27 _ Rode home. On my way visited the school m Dist.
No. 1.
Jan. 29 — In my study, 30, 31. .
Feb 1— Reading and writing. Have been reading two works,
one from the pen of Byron and the other of Mrs. Hemans. That
of Bvron is very like him— masculine and in many places not very
chaste, but hers if I mistake not, comes from a heart that has had
its portion of sorrow. „ „ T 4.1. o •
Feb, 2 _ Preached from Rev. 21:4 and Rom. 6:1, 2. In the Spirit.
peb. 3 _ Visited the school in the Pike neighborhood.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
313
Feb. 5, 6, 7, 8 — In my study reading and writing. (There are very
many such entries in the Diary.)
Feb. 9 — Preached in L. from Cor. 2:9, and Matt. 13:37-43. In the
evening rode to Sweden.
Feb. 12 — Arrived in Norway.
Feb. 16 — Preached in Norway. (Br. R. preached for me in Frye-
burs)> from Rom. 6:1, 2, and I Sam’i 18:1. In the evening rode to
Bridgton, where I heard Mr. Hotchkiss on Conditional Salvation, to
whose discourse I am to reply on the eve of the 23rd.
Feb. 19 — Rode to Br. Poor’s in B.
Feb. 20 — Continued on to the Corner, (where Miss G. was) — found
all well.
Feb. 22 — Rode home, found all well.
Feb. 24 — Attended the funeral of a little child of Br. Elliot Smith.
Text, Mark 10:14, “Suffer little children to come unto Me,” etc.
Feb. 26 — Reading Bancroft’s History of the United States. He is
one of the best historians I have ever read.
Feb. 28 — At home, sweet home.
Feb. 29 — Attended general muster and rode to Fryeburg with Br.
T. J. Whitehead.
Mar. 1 — Preached in Bridgton from Matt. 6:9, and 5:44. Br.
Bartlett preached for me in Fryeburg.
Mar. 3 — Rode to Brownfield in company with Izah, who is to
spend a few days at Bro. Paine’s.
Mar. 5 — P.M. walked to Shane Hill.
Mar. 8 — Preached in Lovell my farewell sermon there — the last
of 3 years, from Gen. 1:3 and Ps. 138:2. Today, too, I am published
to Miss Izah B. P. Gibson. God make her and my life a happy one.
Mar. 9 — Walked home.
Mar. 11 — Walked down to the P. O. expecting to get a letter from
Norway and one from Denmark, but alas! alas! I found none. Izah,
what has become of you? It is like passing from a warm bath into
an ice house, so great is my disappointment.
Mar. 13 — Visited in South Chatham and Stow. The day has been
spent sane without any uncommon occurrence.
Mar. 15 — Preached my farewell sermon — the last of three and a
half years.
Mar. 30 — Walked to Denmark, and a muddy and rainy walk it
was, too, but one who finds such no worse, for so good an object,
needs not to be bowed down with sorrow.
Apr. 3 — Gave a lecture in D.
Apr. 5 — This is the first Sunday I have lost for want of an ap¬
pointment for a number of years. I have spent the day reading
Miller on the end of the world.
Apr. 7 — From Harrison at Br. Smith’s walked to Norway.
Apr. 8 — Rode to Denmark. On the way took in Sam’i F. Gibson.
Apr. 9 — Married today by Br. Rand at 9 A.M., and at 11 A.M., left
for my boarding place, accompanied by the groomsman and brides¬
maid as far as Brownfield.
314
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Apr. 10 — Preached from Acts 22:10 and James 1:27. In the
eve. rode over to D. after my wife.
Apr. 11 — Returned to N., bringing Izah and Rebecca.
Apr. 12 — Preached from James 1:27 and Rom. 8:21 to quite a
large audience. Returned to Fryeburg in the evening.
Apr. 14— Attended the funeral of Br. Nathan P. Pierce in Hiram.
Nathan was a good man.
Apr. 16— Rode to Norway. Had a call to preach there. Shall
accept it.
Apr. 17 — Returned home.
Apr. 18 — Spent the day with Izah. Some over a week since
marriage. Not long enough to determine that I am a good husband.
Apr. 19 — Preached in F. from John 14:15, and Rev. 15:1. Large
attendance and good attention.
Apr. 22 — Reading papers and chatting with Izah.
Apr. 25 — Rode to Norway. Called at Br. Blake’s, dined at Br.
Hapgood’s on trout. Spent the night at Br. Tucker’s.
Apr 26— Preached in N. for my first Sabbath of a year’s engage¬
ment. Texts Matt. 26:24, and Matt. 5:44. Full meeting and good
attention.
Apr. 27 _ Rode to D. to get a peep at Izah and the next day went
to F. to settle my affairs with the society.
June 28 — Preached at N. Paris from Rev. 15:1 and 2 Peter 1:
5 6 7.
julv 3 — Walked to Br. S. Cobb’s. Here we met with an old lady
almost 90. She is strong in the faith. All of her family gone, but
a day is coming when she will join them and they will be stronger
reunited — branch to branch and limb to limb.
Tuiv 4 _ Sixty-four years since the Declaration of Independence
of the U S. Thirteen little states July 4, 1776. Now there are
twice that number and their inhabitants are a hundred to one. May
we never forget to praise God for His wonderful goodness.
julv 5 — Preached at N. Norway from 2 Peter, 1:5, 6, 7 and Rev.
15:1. We had a full meeting and good attention. In the eve. rode
home.
July 10— Rode to D. with Izah.
July 12 — Preached in D. from I Tim. 5:8 and Luke 2:14. Good
attention. „ _ . „ iC.1
July 19 — Preached in F. from Matt. 3:2, and Rev. 15.1. B .
French preached for me in N.
July 25— Have been reading the play called Timon. It was not
without reason that the principal personage became a man-hater
if we admit, it is ever right to curse man for his inhumanity.
July 26— Preached from Matt. 3:2, and Heb. 5:9. 1 .J^ow not
what may have been the impression of the congregation with rega
to the forenoon discourse, but I have not been so much m the spirit
for some time past. 1A.Q
Aug. 2 — Preached from Job. 28:28 and Rom. 10.8.
Aug. 7 — Walked to D.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
315
Aug. 8 — Spent the day in resting and in forming a society. The
meeting for this purpose a most pleasant one. All but one or two
came forward and put their names to the constitution.
Aug. 12 — A.M. went a fishing. P.M. made a few calls. Evening
heard Br. Thayer at our house.
Aug. 13 — A.M. went a gunning. P.M. rainy.
Aug. 16 — Preached at N. Norway from Matt. 6:9-13 and Ezekiel
18:20. In eve. at Br. Sam’l Cobb’s from Titus 2:11, 12.
Aug. 20 — Visited Col. Millett and Br. Bartlett in company with
wife and Mary Ann B. Was very well entertained.
Aug. 22 — Rode to D. with Br. John Tucker.
Aug. 23 — Preached in D. from Prov. 22:2 and Eze. 18:20.
Aug. 27 — Called on the brethren at the Cape (South Paris).
Fortunately met with some men from Weare, N. H., from whom I
learned that my father was well.
Aug. 28 — Dug potatoes of my own cultivation.
Aug. 30 — Preached from I Sam’l 17:47, and Matt. 16:26.
Sept. 2 — Visited Bro. Howe of Sumner and Br. Washburn of
Paris. Obtained a Sunday’s preaching at P. for Br. Cobb.
Sept. 3 — P.M. Heard Br. Cobb at our church and in the course
of his remarks he gave us the origin of the word tantalus.
Sept. 6 — Preached from Matt. 1:21 and Ps. 19: 7, 8, 9. Small
meeting.
Sept. 18 — Preached from Dan. 10:21 and Prov. 22:6. In the
evening lectured in Cape Village to a full house.
Oct. 2 — Rode home.
Oct. 4 — Preached on Paris Hill from II Sam’l, 18:5 and Isa. 45:
23, 24. Br. Bartlett preached for me in Denmark. The attendance
on the hill was as good as I expected.
Oct. 22 — P.M. attended a political meeting on Paris Hill. The
court house was full.
Oct. 23 — P.M. attended a political meeting at the Cape. Yester¬
day I heard a democrat and today a whig. Hon. F. O. J. Smith was
the speaker today. His speech was full of misrepresentations.
Oct. 25 — My afternoon discourse was for the young ladies, and I
am happy to record that there were many of them to hear it.
Oct. 30 — Rode to D. with Izah to visit her old home, sweet home
again.
Nov. 2 — Rode home and voted for the democratic electors.
Nov. 8 — P.M. church occupied for funeral services of old Mr.
David Woodman, father-in-law of Br. Bartlett and Mrs. Shackley.
The congregation was very large.
Nov. 16 — Came home from D. On the way called at Br. Smith’s
in Harrison. His wife sick with a fever, and low in spirits, and
fears she won’t get well. I gave her what comfort I could and urged
her to keep herself as cheerful as possible, concluded my call with
reading and prayer.
Nov. 23 — Preached in D. from Cor. 2:9, and Matt. 26:24 — full
meeting and good attention. In the eve. lectured at Bridgton, accord¬
ing to appointment.
316
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Nov. 26 — Thanksgiving. Preached from the 100th Ps. Very-
few hearers. Took supper with the family of Br. Benj. Tucker.
Nov. 30 — Voted at special election for Hon. Mr. Littlefield of
Bridgton for M. C. The elections this year have gone against us.
Hard cider, log cabins and “Tip” songs have done for. the whigs
what good sound argument could never have accomplished. The
ignorance of the rabble has been the defeat of republicanism.
Dec. 7, 8 — Spent in writing for the Magazine and Palladium.
Dec. 13 — Preached from Rom. 1:16 and Dan. 12:1, 2. Cold and
rainy day — about 40 hearers. Good attention. Though this turn
out in such a village as ours, might seem very small, there is some
comfort in the fact that at the other houses, they had no preaching
for lack of hearers.
Dec. 14 — Helped my poor Izah in some of her household work.
I’m afraid I didn’t help much for the want of experience.
Dec. 16 _ Playing truant. Don’t be alarmed, for ministers some¬
times play the truant. In the eve. I heard a very instructive lecture
on phrenology, by a Mr. Bryant.
Dec. 17 _ Father Gibson and Edwin left us this morning for
home.
Dec. 18 _ Reading about the French Revolution. Very much in¬
terested in the book.
1841.
Jan. 3 — Preached from Ps. 90:9. We gave up the use of the
house in the afternoon for the funeral services of Mrs. Smith, wife
of Squire Smith. Mr. Soule officiated.
jan. io _ Our muster at Denmark was larger than common for
this season of the year. In the evening rode home.
Jan. 28 — Rode to Fryeburg to meet my sister Susan.
Del). 9 — Visited and lectured at Br. S. Cobb’s. Mrs. Thompson
was 90 years of age today and we gave a birthday sermon from
Ps. 23: 1, 11. Lectured at Br. Nath’l Bennett’s from I Cor. 1:17.
Feb. 14 — Our meeting was quite large for the season and in the
congregation were some of our opposers. Text, Luke 23.34.
Feb. 15 — Reading and sawing wood.
Feb. 16 — Attended an anti-slavery meeting at the Chapel.
Mother Gibson came over today.
Feb. 23 _ This evening about 10.30 o’clock we had an addition to
our family, of a little boy whom we designate by the name of Samuel
A. Tenney. Hope to make him better and more useful than his
father.
Mar. 1 — Izah is doing well. _ . ,
Mar. 15 _ Attended a discussion which was no discussion on Pope s
“Whatever is, is right.” Negative argument written.
Mar. 23 — Attended a funeral of a child of Br. Mark P. Smith.
Apr. 9 _ Just a year since I exchanged single blessedness for the
married life, and all is well.
May 1 — Rode and walked to D.
May 2 — Preached there from Isaiah 45:21 and Heb. 4: 1, 2, 3.
May 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8— lost.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
317
May 14 — National fast for the death of Pres. Wm. H. Harrison.
With many others we observed it with appropriate services. Dis¬
course delivered from Isaiah 40:6, 8.
June 11 — Visiting schools. Village schools are for those under
10 years. Their standing is quite good and yet not so good as might
be expected where so much time and money are expended. Singing
here is an exercise, and perhaps too much indulged in for the success
of other and more important studies.
June 17 — Married Mr. Jonathan Blake of Bethel to Miss Eliza¬
beth S. Crockett of Norway.
June 20 — Large attendance at church. Texts: Isaiah 45:2, 3, and
James 4:13, 14.
June 22 — Visited the schools in ours and Br. Bennett’s dist.
Both rather backward and the first rather noisy. We shall, how¬
ever, hope for improvement.
June 27 — Preached at No. Paris from Luke 13:3, and Matt. 12130.
The meeting was large and uncommonly atttentive.
June 29-30 — Rode to North Yarmouth to attend the convention.
Preached my occasional which was so much better than I expected
that the Council not only ordered it printed in the Banner but also
had a collection taken up to have it published in pamphlet form for
gratuitous distribution.
July 1 — Meeting continued. The speakers being Bates, Thomp¬
son, Burr, Williams, Abel, Saddler and Gunnison. All gave us good
discourses, save a little exception in that of the last.
July 4 — Preached at N. Norway. Rode home in the evening,
and attended a temperance meeting.
July 14 — Delivered a temperance lecture at Norway Center.
July 28 — Visited the Bennett School for the 2d time — taught by
Miss Holt. Scholars have made a good improvement in reading.
Aug. 6 — Rode to Lovell and spent the night with Br. M. Hutchins.
Aug. 7 — Calling on old friends.
Aug. 8 — Preached in L. Full meeting and good attention. Rode
home in the evening.
Aug. 17-18 — We had the company of Grandpa Howard and Father
Gibson.
Aug. 21 — Received a letter from Congressman Littlefield inform¬
ing us of the veto of Clay’s bank bills.
Aug. 23-29 — Went on a journey through Dixfield to Freeport.
Preached there in exchange with Br. Watt.
Aug. 30 — Rode to Denmark with Br. Samuel.
Sept. 1-2 — Attended the York, Cumberland and Oxford Asso¬
ciation.
Sept. 5 — Preached in Albany. We had a full house and good
attention.
Sept. 22 — Attended the general muster in Lovell (was chaplain
of one of the regiments).
Oct. 15 — Rode to Bethel and spent the night with a sister of my
Grandmother Tenney.
318
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Oct. 17— Preached on Bethel Hill. The congregation was small
and inattentive. There were some exceptions. In the evening lec¬
tured to a more appreciative audience, in the Walker Schoolhouse.
Nov. 2 — At home.
Nov. 3 — Married Capt. Otis True of Poland to Miss Martha S.
Millett of Norway.
Nov. 4, 5, 6 — About the common affairs of a preacher.
Nov. 7 — Preached in Norway.
Nov. 14-21 — Preached in Albany.
Nov. 22 to 27 — Spent the week at home and in Denmark. Our
annual Thanksgiving was on the 25th, and we spent it very happily
in Denmark.
Nov. 28 — Preached at North Paris. Delivered a Washington
Temperance lecture in the evening.
Dec. 5 _ Preached in Norway. Samuel commences his school to¬
morrow. Came today from Denmark.
Dec. 11 — I am resolved, God being my helper, never to forget my¬
self, so far as to be overcome of anger.
Dec. 12 — Preached in Poland. The resolve of yesterday was
hardly made and cool before it was broken, but I will not give up yet,
I will not give up, and again I repeat the resolve — God being my
helper, I am still resolved never to so far forget myself as to be over¬
come of anger. I will not indulge (or ought not to indulge) myself
in the giving of blow for blow — kind for kind and measure for meas¬
ure. The divine law is, “Be not overcome of evil but overcome evil
with good.” And this shall be my law, and with God’s assistance I
will obey it.
Dec. 13-18 — I may say I have kept my resolve thus far, but not
without an effort. I find in myself two powers, and I am afraid that
if I would do good, evil is present with me. As a general thing, we
may be guarded, but an unkindly word from a source which we have
been accustomed to respect is apt to overthrow our resolves and give
loose reins to our passions. Oh, for love’s perfect work.
Dec. 19 — Preached in Norway. Not a full meeting — weather bad.
1842.
Jan. 5 — Rode to Weare, N. H.
jan. 6 _ Visited father and William. Great changes have taken
place there since I first saw the light. Four sisters and a brother
(all but one) have migrated to distant lands and other homes. The
mother who fondled us passed away long ago in purity and glory.
My father still lives a lone life where home was but where home is
no longer.
jan. 9 _ Rode home. This is the first day I have spent the Sab¬
bath in this manner for many years.
jan. 16 _ This evening married Mr. Mark P. Smith of this place
to Miss Susan B. Tenney. May their union prove a happy one.
Jan. 18 — Visited a school.
Jan. 20 — Had a donation party of 124. This is something new
for us, and at least a manifestation of a kindness we little expected.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
319
Every man brought his own provisions, and when they all had eaten
we had a number of goodly presents left.
Jan. 23 — Preached at N. Norway.
Jan. 24 — Visited a school and two of the sick.
Jan. 25 — At home. Married Mr. Thomas Cousins of Poland to
Miss Dorothy S. Millett of Norway.
Jan. 30 — Preached in N. in the forenoon, and in the afternoon at
the Cape (South Paris).
Feb. 1 — Attended the funeral of Mr. Amos Upton (Jr.).
Feb. 2 — Visited the schools in Uncle (Nat) Bennett’s Dist., and
in Col. (John) Millett’s.
Feb. 10 — Rode to Denmark.
Feb. 11 — To Hiram and made an appointment for Sunday.
Feb. 12 — At Father Gibson’s.
Feb. 20 — Preached in Casco, and rode back to D.
Feb. 21 — Came home.
Apr. 16 — My little boy taken violently ill with the canker rash.
Apr. 17 — There is no improvement in the child. The rash has
not come out so freely as is desirable.
Apr. 18-27 — Have been days of suffering in our family. Today
about noon it appears that he cannot live till another morning. He
is a dear child and just old enough to walk and use some common
words. It is hard to give him up, for a thousand ties bind him to us,
but if he goes from us, we know where we shall find him. In his
Father’s house are many mansions, and when we shall have done
with the cares of earth, we shall find an abiding place there and re¬
joice in the fulness of his salvation.
Apr. 28 — Our little cherub had an uneasy night, but on the whole
is no worse today. A sore has broken in his head, and discharged
very freely at the left ear.
Apr. 29 — 12.30 o’clock. He has gone.
“Rest thee, pure one, rest,
We would not call thee back
For thou art blest.”
May 1 — Today for the last time, we have looked upon what re¬
mains of our little boy. O how hard it is to give him up. We have
listened to a very good discourse from Br. (Rev. George) Thornes of
Buckfield. We followed our child to the grave, have seen him
lowered down into the earth — and have left him there, in the full
belief that when a few more years are past, we shall join him in a
house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Br. Thornes
spoke from I Thess. 4:13.
May 2 — The disease of which our child died is spreading amongst
us. There are three in Mr. Thayer’s family, a little girl in Mr.
Wrisley’s and one in Br. Elliot Smith’s.
May 3 — At home. No new cases of scarlet fever.
May 4 — Carried Izah over to Denmark to spend a few weeks at
her father’s.
320
HISTORY OF NORWAY
May 6 _ Rode home to keep house alone. O how I am reminded
by everything I touch and see of our little one. But I dare not in¬
dulge in the feelings that move me, that he was not to be embraced
again in the arms of his parents. But better arms enfold him in a
better land and I ought to rejoice that it is so. This afternoon I set
a locust tree at the foot of his grave.
june 19 _ We are again blessed with a token of affection. Early
this morning, a little daughter was born to us. (Mrs. Frank A.
Danforth.) We bless God for his goodness and hope He will enable
us if the little one is to make a long stay in this world of change, to
keep it in the path of duty. May it not only bless us but be a bless¬
ing to others and itself as well as to Him who numbers the hairs
of our heads.
July 2 — I have a thousand times thought of the many hues of
the character of man. In my younger days I dreamed of friendship
and love and have often read about them since, but in nine cases
out of ten, I have found them names— only names. And how much
of the pretended piety of the world is anything more than its assump¬
tion. How many are the tongues, oiled and honeyed to give utterance
to the soapy — forgive the word— expressions of those who lie for the
purpose of gaining what would be better gained by fair and honest
dealing. How often are we praised for actions and labors, which our
honest eyesight sees as the mere trifles of life— every-day things—
things done by everybody, and known to be such by the one who
does them, as well as by him who offers the praise, and is both pitied
and despised by the sensible of all denominations.
Aug. 10 _ I have married Mr. Henry L. Crockett to Rosanna A.
Buck, both of Norway. We call our little girl Adnah with the pre¬
face Susan. (Mrs. Frank A. Danforth.)
Aug. 24— Attended the funeral of Mother Thompson who died
the 23d. She came down to the grave full in the faith of a w°r ^ s
salvation. She was 91 years and 6 mos. old, had lived through the
French and Indian war, the Revolution and last war. Her father
was killed by the Indians, seven months after her birth. She married
Mr. Thompson in Jan. 1769, and had three children of whom none
are living — the 2d child was burned to death m Nov. 1820. Her hus¬
band died Mar. 14, 1821, in his bed and she awoke to find him gone.
And at last she, too, has left us to join her family.
Sept. 9— Left home for Boston, and rode to Dover, N. H., passing
the camp ground in Oxford. I took the first train of cars for Boston
and on the way passed a 2d camp ground m Kingston, N. H- It
being rainy it seemed rather in the cooling part of a revival. What
their success had been I am not able to say, but at any rate the
chances appeared, two for a cold and fever to one for salvatiom
We were permitted to see them but a moment, and might have been
deceived. The steam power moved us rapidly away, and we soon
found ourselves in the midst of cabs and omnibuses.
Sept. 11— Preached in East Boston on exchange with Bro. Cobb
(Rev. Sylvanus).
Sept. 12 — Rode to Burlington where we spent Tuesday and
HISTORY OF NORWAY
321
Wednesday as happily as we could desire. Cousin Gleason and Cobb
with his wife are a trio of as good friends as one will generally find.
Sept. 15 — Cousin George G. carried me to Billerica to attend a
dedication. Here I met Bros. Gardner, of our State, Thayer, Miner,
Chapin — a preacher of Lexington, etc., etc. From here Bro. Thayer
took us to Lowell.
Sept. 17 — I spent in Lowell to little advantage.
Sept. 18 — Preached in L. for Bro. Thayer. The house was full
in the afternoon. Poor singing on acct. of the absence of the leader.
Sept. 19 — Rode to Boston and spent the night at Br. Cobb’s.
Sept. 20 — Rode to Providence, R. I.
Sept. 21 First day of the national convention of our denomina¬
tion. /
Sept. 22 — The last day. In our stay here we received the best
of treatment. Br. Salisbury with whom we had bread and board
gave the Down Easter good entertainment.
Sept. 23 — Rode to Boston and the next day came to Portland in
the steamer Telegraph, and home. Our journey has been a good one.
I have been well, except a little seasick.
Oct. 29 — Attended the funeral of Sister Mixer (Mrs. Esther
Bennett Mixer). The severity and length of her sickness were great,
but she bore it all with a Christian resignation.
Oct. 30 — Attended the funeral of Mr. Benjamin Witt who died the
28th, aged 76. He was one of the earliest Universalists in town.
Nov. 7 — Attended the funeral of Peter Buck, who was 93 years
and 3 mos. old.
Nov. 10 — Married Mr. Sylvanus Porter of Paris to Miss Esther
C. Millett of Norway.
1843.
Jan. 1 — Married Mr. Sidney Perham of Woodstock to Miss
Almena J. Hathaway of Paris. (He was afterwards Clerk of the
Courts, Member of Congress and Governor of Maine.)
Apr. 26 — Attended the funeral of Mrs. Dow.
May 5 — Attended the funeral of the children (girls) of Mr.
(James N.) Hall — two of them, and all he had. I also attended the
funeral of Joel Frost somewhere between the 13th and 20th of April
(d. April 12, 1843, aged 44).
May 4 — Moved into Br. Mixer’s house at a rent of 40 dollars a
year.
Oct. 4 — Married Jesse Howe, M.D. of Leeds to Miss Rebecca G.
Gibson of Denmark.
Nov. 16 — Married Mr. Sebastian S. Smith to Miss Nancy M.
Mixer, both of Oxford.
1844.
June 13 — Married Mr. George Tufts to Miss Lydia A. Holt, both
of Norway.
322
HISTORY OF NORWAY
On the Death op a Child.
That little one with eyes so bright,
A moment felt the rod,
Then rising on the beams of light
It disappeared from mortal sight
To dwell for aye with God.
Oct. — I have attended four funerals within a few weeks, viz.:
Miss Daniels of Paris, Mr. Caswell of Harrison, Mrs. Hall of Norway
and a young Mr. Morrill of Oxford. Had also before this attended
the funeral of Mr. John Brown of Oxford.
Dec. 8 _ Married Mr. George M. Brewster of West Bridgewater,
Mass., to Miss Elvira Buck of Norway.
1845.
May 30 _ Married Mr. Lee Mixer to Miss Deborah Bennett, both
of Norway.
1846.
Sept. 2— Death has again visited us. Suddenly we are bereft of
our little boy, aged only 2 years, 6 mos. and 6 days. He has gone
down to the grave. Severe suffering attended his illness, and after
a 24 hours’ attack of the croup, through all of which he retained his
senses, God took the gift he gave us, to the house above. To us the
loss is a heavy one, and it is in vain that we strive to suppress the
tears that well up from the fountain of sorrow. He was a kind and
lovable child, and we had anticipated many things of him. We had
said: “He will be spared to us, and we shall educate him for useful¬
ness,” but his schooling is to be among the stars and suns of glory.
We feel that he has been taken away from the evil to come — from
the temptations that might be too strong for him to bear, and from
the sufferings which might be greater than he could endure,— e
will have the exemption of all the ills of life, and it is in the deep
conviction of our souls that we can say: “Far happier they escaped
to endless rest, than we who yet survive, to wake and weep.”
Earth and Heaven
There’s nothing here; there’s nothing here,
To ease our pains and sorrow,
To wipe away the falling tear,
And paint the blissful morrow.
There’s change in all, we feel and see
There’s nothing bright but purity.
The rose will fade, the lily die,
The finest form decay;
The flowers of earth but meet the eye,
To quickly pass away.
Then turn your thoughts above, above,
To changeless, high, unceasing love.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
323
The Saviour’s Come.
The Saviour’s come, hear sinners, hear,
The tidings he hath given.
Tho poor we are, yet never fear,
There’s rest, there’s peace in Heaven.
The Saviour’s come, the Saviour’s come,
To end our sin and pain,
We die to live — to live at home,
We die to live again.
The wicked cease from troubling then,
The weary find a rest:
The sons of sin and sorrow bear
The image of the blest.
The Saviour’s come, awake, awake,
The Saviour’s come, arise;
The Saviour’s come on earth to make
Us beings for the skies.
PART III
The Battle of Bunker Hill
By Maj. Gen. Henry Dearborn
Published in 1818.
On the 16th of June, 1775, it was determined that a fortified
post should be established, at or near Bunker’s Hill.
A detachment of the army was ordered to advance early in the
evening of that day, and commence the erection of a strong work on
the heights in the rear of Charlestown, at that time called Breed’s
Hill, but from its proximity to Bunker’s Hill, the battle has taken its
name from the latter eminence, which overlooks it.
The work was commenced and carried on under the direction of
such engineers as we were able to procure at that time. It was a
square redoubt, the curtains of which were about 60 or 70 feet in
extent, with an intrenchment, or breast work, extending 50 or . 60 feet
from the north angle, towards Mystic river.
In the course of the night the ramparts had been raised to the
height of 6 or 7 feet, with a small ditch at their base, but it was in
yet a rude and imperfect state. Being in full view from the northern
heights of Boston, it was discovered by the enemy, as soon as the
daylight appeared, and a determination was immediately formed by
324
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Gen. Gage, for dislodging our troops from this new and alarming
position. Arrangements were promptly made for effecting this im¬
portant object. The movement of the British troops indicating an
attack, were soon discovered, in consequence of which, orders were
immediately issued for the march of a considerable part of our army
to re-enforce the detachment at the redoubt on Breed’s Hill; but
such was the imperfect state of discipline, the want of knowledge
in military science, and the deficiency of the materials of war, that
the movement was extremely irregular and devoid of everything like
concert of action — each regt. advancing according to the opinions,
feelings or caprice of its commander.
Col. Stark’s regiment was quartered in Medford, distant about
four miles from the point of anticipated attack. It then consisted of
13 companies and was probably the largest regiment in the army.
About 10 o’clock in the morning he received orders to march. The
regiment, being destitute of ammunition, it formed in front of a
house occupied as an arsenal, where each man received a gill cup full
of powder, 15 balls and one flint. The several captains were then
ordered to march their companies to their respective quarters, and
make up their powder and ball into cartridges, with the greatest
possible dispatch. As there were scarcely two muskets in a company
of equal calibre, it was necessary to reduce the size of the balls for
many of them; and as but a small proportion of the men had cart¬
ridge boxes, the remainder made use of the powder horns and ball
pouches.
After completing the necessary preparations for action, the regi¬
ment formed and marched about 1 o’clock. When it reached Charles¬
town Neck, we found two regiments halted, in consequence of a
heavy enfilading fire thrown across it, of round, bar, and chain shot,
from the frigate Lively, and floating batteries anchored in Charles
river, and a floating battery lying in the river Mystic. Maj. McClary
went forward, and observed to the commanders, if they did not intend
to move on, he wished them to open and let our regiment pass, which
was immediately done. My company being in front, I marched by
the side of Col. Stark, who moving with a very deliberate pace, I
suggested the propriety of quickening the march of the regiment
that it might sooner be relieved from the galling cross fire of the
enemy. With a look peculiar to himself, he fixed his eyes upon me,
and observed with great composure, “Dearborn, one fresh man in
action is worth ten fatigued ones,” and continued to advance m the
same cool and collected manner. When we had reached the top of
Bunker’s Hill where Gen. Putnam had taken his station, the regiment
halted for a few minutes for the rear to come up. Soon after, the
enemy were discovered to have landed on the shore of Morton s Point,
in front of Breed’s Hill, under cover of a tremendous fire of shot
and shells from a battery on Copp’s Hill, in Boston, which had opened
on the redoubt at daybreak.
Major Gen’l Howe and Brig. Gen’l Pigot were the commanders
of the British forces which first landed, consisting of four battalions
of infantry, ten companies of grenadiers, and ten of light infantry,
with a train of light artillery. They formed as they disembarked,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
325
but remained in that position, until they were re-enforced by another
detachment.
At this moment the veteran and gallant Stark harangued his
regiment in a short but animated address; then directed them to give
three cheers and made a rapid movement to the rail fence which ran
from the left, and about 40 yards in the rear of the redoubt towards
Mystic river. Part of the grass having been recently cut, lay in wind¬
rows and cocks on the field. Another fence was taken up — the rails
run through the one in front, and the hay mown in the vicinity, sus¬
pended upon them, from the bottom to the top, which had the appear¬
ance of a breastwork, but was in fact, no real cover to the men; it
however Served as a deception to the enemy.
At this moment our regiment was formed in the rear of the rail-
fence, with one other small regiment from New Hampshire, under
the command of Col. Reed; the fire commenced between the left wing
of the British army, commanded by Gen. Howe, and the troops in the
redoubt under Col. Prescott, while a column of the enemy was ad¬
vancing on our left, on the shore of Mystic river, with an evident in¬
tention of turning our left wing, and that veteran and most excellent
regiment of Welsh fusileers, so distinguished for its gallant conduct
in the battle of Minden, advanced in column on the rail-fence, when
within 80 or 100 yards, deployed into line, with the precision and
firmness of troops on parade, and opened a brisk but regular fire by
platoons, which was returned by a well directed, rapid, and fatal dis¬
charge from our whole line. The action soon beceame general, and
very heavy from right to left. In the course of ten or fiften minutes,
the enemy gave way at all points, and retreated in great disorder,
leaving a large number of dead and wounded on the field. The firing
ceased for a short time, until the enemy again formed, advanced and
recommenced a spirited fire from his whole line. Several attempts
were again made to turn our left, but the troops having thrown up
a slight stone wall on the bank of the river and lying down behind it,
gave such a deadly fire as to cut down almost every man of the force
opposed to them; while the fire from the redoubt and the rail-fence
was so well directed and so fatal, especially to the British officers,
that the whole army was compelled a second time to retreat with
precipitation and great confusion. At this time the ground occupied
by the enemy was covered with his dead and wounded. Only a few
small detached parties again advanced, which kept up a distant, in¬
effectual, scattering fire, until a strong reinforcement arrived from
Boston which advanced directly upon the redoubt without firing a
gun. By this time our ammunition was exhausted — a few men only
had a charge left. The advancing column made an attempt to carry
the redoubt by assault, but at the first onset every man that mounted
the parapet was cut down, by the troops within, who had formed on
the opposite side, not being prepared with bayonets to meet a charge.
The column wavered for a moment, but soon formed again; when a
forward movement was made with such spirit and intrepidity as to
render the feeble efforts of a handful of men, without the means of
defence unavailing, and they fled through an open space in the rear
of the redoubt, which had been left for a gate-way. At this moment
326
HISTORY OF NORWAY
the rear of the British column advanced around the angle of the
redoubt, and threw in a galling flank fire upon our troops, as they
rushed from it, which killed and wounded a greater number than had
fallen before during the action. The whole of our line immediately
gave way and retreated with rapidity and in disorder towards Bun¬
ker’s Hill; carrying off as many of the wounded as possible, so that
only thirty-six or seven fell into the hands of the enemy, among whom
were Lt. Col. Parker, and two or three other officers who fell in or
near the redoubt.
When the troops arrived at the summit of Bunker’s Hill, we found
Gen. Putnam with nearly as many men as had been engaged in the
battle; notwithstanding which no measure had been taken for rein¬
forcing us, nor was there a shot fired to cover our retreat, or any
movement made to check the advance of the enemy to this height, but
on the contrary, Gen. Putnam rode off, with a number of spades and
pick-axes in ihis hands, and the troops that had remained with him
inactive during the whole of the action, although within a few
hundred yards of the battle ground and no obstacle to impede their
movement but musket balls.
The whole of our troops now descended the north-western declivity
of Bunker’s Hill and recrossed the Neck. Those of the N. H. line
retired towards Winter Hill, and the others on to Prospect Hill. Some
slight works were thrown up in the course of the evening strong
advance pickets were posted on the roads leading to Charlestown, and
the troops anticipating an attack, rested on their arms. It is a most
extraordinary fact that the British did not make a single charge dur¬
ing the battle, which, if attempted, would have been decisive and fatal
to the Americans, as they did not carry into the field fifty bayonets.
In my company there was but one.
* * * * * * *
My position in the battle, more the result of accident, than any
regularity of formation, was on the right of the line at the rail-fence
which afforded me a fair view of the whole scene of action. Our men
were intent on cutting down every officer they could distinguish,
in the British line. When any of them discovered one he would
exclaim : “There, see that officer,” “Let us have a shot at him, when
two or three would fire at the same moment; and as our soldiers were
excellent marksmen and rested their muskets over the fence, they
were sure of their object.
An officer was discovered to mount near Gen. Howe, on the left
of the British line, and ride towards our left; which a column was
endeavoring to turn. This was the only officer on horseback during
the day, and as he approached the rail fence, I heard a number o
men observe; “There,” “There, see that officer on horseback: Let
us fire*” “No, not yet,” “Wait till he gets to that little knoll, now: —
when they fired, and he instantly fell dead from his horse. It proved
to be Maj. Pitcairn, a distinguished officer. The fire of the enemy
was so badly directed, I should presume that 49 balls out of 50 passed
from one to six feet over our heads, for I noticed an apple tree, some
paces in the rear, which had scarcely a ball in it, from the ground as
HISTORY OF NORWAY
327
high as a man’s head, while the trunk and branches above were
literally cut to pieces.
I commanded a full company in action, and had only one man
killed and five wounded, which was a full average of the loss we
sustained, excepting those who fell while sallying from the redoubt,
when it was stormed by the British column. Our total loss was 88,
killed, and as well as I can recollect upwards of 200 wounded. Our
platoon officers carried fusees. In the course of the action, after
firing away what ammunition I had, I walked to the higher ground
to the right, in the rear of the redoubt, with an expectation of pro¬
curing, of the dead or wounded men who lay there, a supply.
While in that situation, I saw at some distance, a dead man lying
near a small locust tree. As he appeared to be much better dressed
than our men generally were, I asked a man who was passing me,
if he knew who he was. He replied: “It is Doctor Warren.” I did
not personally know Dr. Warren, but was acquainted with his public
character. He had recently been appointed a General in our service,
but had not taken command. He was President of the Provincial
Congress then sitting at Watertown, and having heard that there
would probably be an action, had come to share in whatever might
happen, in the character of a volunteer, and was unfortunately killed
early in the action. Posterity will appreciate his worth, and do
honor to his memory. He is immortalized as a patriot, who glo¬
riously fell in defense of freedom.
The number of our troops in action as near as I was able to
ascertain did not exceed 1500. The force of the British, at the
commencement of the action, was estimated at about the same number,
but they were frequently reinforced. Had our ammunition held out,
or had we been supplied with only 15 or 20 rounds, I have no doubt
that we should have killed and wounded the greatest part of their
army, and compelled the remainder to have lain down their arms;
for it was with the greatest difficulty that they were brought up
the last time. Our fire was so deadly, particularly to the officers,
that it would have been impossible to have resisted it but for a short
time longer. I did not see a man quit his post during the action, and
I do not believe a single soldier, who was brought into the field, fled,
until the whole army was obliged to retreat, for want of powder and
ball. The total loss of the British was about 1200; upwards of 500
killed and between six and seven hundred wounded. The Welsh
fusileers suffered most severely; they came into action 500 strong,
and all were killed or wounded but 83.
328
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Reflections on the Campaigns of Sir William Howe, on his resigning
the command of the British Armies in America, with an
incideiital account of the battle of Bunker’s Hill,
extracted from Major General Henry Lee’s
“ Memoirs of the War in the Southern De¬
partment of the United States,” Pub¬
lished 1812.
It is impossible to pass over this period of the American war
without giving vent to some of those reflections which it necessarily
excites. Sir William Howe was considered one of the best soldiers in
England, when charged with the important trust of subduing the re¬
volted colonies. Never did a British General, in any period of that
nation, command an army better fitted to insure success than the one
submitted to his direction, whether we regard its comparative strength
with that opposed to it, the skill of the officers, the discipline and
courage of the soldiers, the adequacy of all the implements and muni¬
tions of war, and the abundance of the best supplies of every sort. In
addition, his brother Lord Howe commanded a powerful fleet on our
coast, for the purpose of subserving the views, and supporting the
measures of the commander in chief. Passing over the criminal
snpineness which marked his conduct after the battle of Long Island,
and the fatal mistake of the plan of the campaign 1777 (the first and
leading feature of which ought to have been a junction with Burgoyne
and the undisturbed possession of the North river), we must be per¬
mitted to look at him with scrutinous though impartial eyes, when
pursuing his own object, and directed by his own judgment, after his
disembarkation at the head of the Chesapeake.
We find him continuing to omit pressing the various advantages
he dearly gained, from time to time. He was ever ready to appeal
to the sword, and but once retired from his enemy. But he does not
seem to have known, that to win a victory was but the first step in
the actions of a great captain. To improve it, is as essential; and
unless the first is followed by the second, the conqueror ill requites
those brave companions of his toils and perils, to whose disregard
of difficulties and contempt of death, he is so much indebted for the
laurel which entwines his brow; and basely neglects his duty to his
country, whose confidence in his zeal for her good, had induced her
to commit to his keeping, her fame and interest.
After his victory at Brandywine, he was, by his own official state¬
ment, less injured than his adversary; yet with many of his. corps,
entire and fresh, we find him wasting three precious days, with the
sole ostensible object of sending his wounded to Wilmington. Surely
the detachment, charged with this service, was adequate to their pro¬
tection on the field of battle, as afterwards on the march; and cer¬
tainly it required no great exertion of mind to have made this
arrangement in the course of one hour, and to have pursued the
beaten foe, after the refreshments and repose enjoyed in one night.
This was omitted. He adhered to the same course of conduct after
the battle of Germantown, when the ill-boding tidings, from the north-
HISTORY OF NORWAY
329
ei n wai fare, emphatically called upon him to press his victory, in
order to compensate for the heavy loss likely to be sustained by 'the
captivity of Burgoyne and his army. But what is most surprising,
after the Delaware was restored to his use, and the communication
with the fleet completely enjoyed, that he should have relinquished his
resolution of fighting Washington at White Marsh, having ascer¬
tained by his personal observation, that no material difficulty pre¬
sented itself on the old York read, by which route he could, with
facility, have turned Washington’s left, and have compelled him to
a change of position with battle, or to a perilous retreat. And last,
though not least in magnitude, knowing as Sir William ought to have
known, the sufferings and wants of every kind to which Washington
was exposed at Valley Forge, as well as that his army was under
inoculation for the small pox, while he himself was so abundantly
supplied with every article requisite to give warmth and comfort
to his troops, it is wonderful how he could omit venturing a winter
campaign, to him promising every advantage, and to his antagonist,
menacing every ill — this too, when the fate of Burgoyne was no longer
doubtful, and its adverse influence on foreign powers unquestionable,
unless balanced by some grand and daring stroke on his part. The
only plan practicable was that above suggested; an experiment urged
by all the considerations which ever can command high spirited en¬
terprise.
These are undeniable truths; and they involve an inquisitive mind
in a perplexity not easy to be untangled. It would be absurd to im¬
pute this conduct to a want of courage in Sir William Howe; for all
acknowledge that he eminently possessed that quality. Nor can it
be justly ascribed to either indolence of disposition or a habit of
sacrificing his duties to self care ; for he possessed a robust body, with
an active mind, and although a man of pleasure, subdued, when
neceessary, its captivating allurements with facility. To explain it,
as seme have done, by supposing him friendly to the revolution, and
therefore to connive at its success, would be equally stupid and un¬
just, for no part of Sir William’s life is stained with a single de¬
parture from the line of honor. Moreover, traitors are not to be
found among British Generals, whose fidelity is secured by education,
by their grade and importance in society, and by the magnificent re¬
wards of government sure to follow distinguished efforts. The severe
admonition which Sir William had received from the disastrous battle
of Bunker s, or rather Breed’s Hill, furnishes the most probable ex¬
planation of this mysterious inertness. On that occasion, he
commanded a body of chosen troops, inured to discipline, and nearly
double in number to his foe; possessed of artillery in abundance, pre¬
pared in the best manner; with an army at hand ready to reinforce
him, and led by officers, many of whom had seen service, all of whom
had been bred to arms. His enemy was a corps of countrymen, who,
for the first time, were unsheathing their swords; without artillery-
defectively, armed with fowling pieces, and muskets without bayo¬
nets; destitute of that cheering comfort, with which experience
animates the soldier; with no other works than a slight redoubt, and
a slighter trench, terminating in a yet slighter breastwork.
330
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Sir William found this feeble enemy posted on the margin, and
along the acclivity of the hill, commanded by Col. Prescott, then un¬
known to fame; yet Sir William beheld these brave yeomen— while
the conflagration of a town was blazing in their faces, while their
flanks were exposed to maritime annoyance, and their front was
assailed by regulars in proud array under the protection of cannon
in full discharge — receive the terrible shock with firmness, coolly
await his near approach, and then resolutely pour in a charge, which
disciplined courage could not sustain. He saw his gallant troops fly
afterwards brought to rally with their colors, and indignant at the
repulse, return with redoubled fury. Sir William again saw these
daring countrymen, unappalled in heart, unbroken in line, true to their
generous leader, and inbred valor, calmly reserving themselves for the
fatal moment, when his close advance presented an opportunity of
winging every ball with death. Again the British soldiers, with the
pupil of the immortal Wolfe at their head, sought safety m flight
Restoring his troops to order, Sir William Howe advanced the third
time, supported by naval co-operation, which had now nearly demol¬
ished our slender defences. Notwithstanding this tremendous com¬
bination, Sir William saw his gallant enemy maintain their ground,
without prospect of succor, until their ammunition was nearly ex¬
pended: then, abandoning their works as the British entered them,
they took the only route open to their escape with decision and
The sad and impressive experience of this murderous day sunk
deep into the mind of Sir William Howe; and it seems to have had
its influence on all his subsequent operations, with decisive control.
In one instance only did he ever depart from the most pointed cir¬
cumspection; and that was, in the assault on Red Bank from his
solicitude to restore the navigation of the Delaware deemed essential
to the safety of his army. The doleful issue of this single departure
renewed the solemn advice inculcated at Breed’s Hill, and extin¬
guished his spirit of enterprise. This is the only way, the mysterious
inertness, which marked the conduct of this British General so fatal
in its effect, to the cause of Great Britain, can be intelligibly solved.
The military annals of the world rarely furnish an achievement,
which equals the firmness and courage displayed on that proud day
by that gallant band of Americans, under Col. Prescott and his com¬
panions in arms— and it certainly stands first m the brilliant events
of that war.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
331
Captured By Indians
Descendants of Some of These Parties Afterwards Lived
in Norway
The Indian trail from the English settlements in southwestern
Maine to Canada, during the 18th century, till the fall of Quebec put
an end to French domination on the St. Lawrence, and rendered it
no longer serviceable, passed through the valley of the Little Andros¬
coggin to the greater river of that name, and following the general
course of that stream, to its source and the height of land, then passed
down the St. Francis river, to the villages of the savages on its banks.
It was a route of blood, barbarity and death. Over its course
many a settler has breathed his last with the name of wife and chil¬
dren upon his lips, as the merciless tomahawk passed through his
skull, or the leaden messenger of death struck a vital spot in his
body. And not a few settlers’ wives have gone to their long rest
along the way, while a prayer for mercy and the safety of their
offspring was being uttered. And the tears of scores of innocent
children, torn away from parents and home to a captivity among
savages, have watered the earth from one end of this long forest trail
to the other.
Today over a part of this route, may be seen, neatly painted farm
houses, and fruitful fields. The merry shouts of children at play are
mingled with the songs of birds. All is peace and joy and happiness.
There was destined to be a great thoroughfare from this part of
Maine to Canada and the West — a route of trade and travel — for
freight and passengers. Let the interested reader contrast the pres¬
ent, with its luxuriously equipped coaches, drawn by locomotives over
the Grand Trunk railway — with the time when this Indian trail was
in use. Now, thousands pass over the road weekly, with pleasure and
comfort. Then not one white person went from Maine to Canada but
had to tramp many weary days in misery and suffering, and in fear
of his life.
Not all those taken captives, however, went to Canada, or lost
their lives on the way. Some escaped and others were recaptured.
It is a satisfaction to know that many of the wild beasts in human
form, who caused this suffering, and who made no distinction between
right and wrong, innocence and guilt, met at last with a just
retribution.
In one of the settlements, in the region about Sebago Lake, there
lived in the spring of 1754 Thomas Allen and his family consisting
of wife, two daughters and one son. It was a very worthy and God
fearing family. The father was a brave, intelligent and industrious
man. His wife, Mary, was in every way his equal, and well fitted
332
HISTORY OF NORWAY
for her duties as a helpmeet in a life on the frontier. They both came
of good stock and were rich in character and moral worth, though
poor in this world’s possessions. They had gone into the wilderness
where land was cheap, that they might by industry and prudence
acquire a home and competence for themselves in their old age and
assist their children in securing a good start in life. They were both
well informed, the wife being rather better educated than her husband.
The girls were lovely children. Rebecca, the eldest, was of medium
height and pretty in form and feature. She had expressive brown
eyes and a sweet musical voice. The other daughter, Susan, was
fourteen years of age, and two years younger than her sister. She
had dark eyes, a Grecian cast of features, and a well rounded form.
Susan was taller than her sister, and less demonstrative. The boy,
John, was but ten years old, handsome, strong and healthy, and of
manly bearing for one so young. He was the pet of the family. In
these times such a child, in a family of no other boys, would be
likely to be spoiled. Not so in those days. The parents ruled the
child _ not- the child the parents. Of necessity the education of these
children devolved principally upon the mother. The books at hand
were very few indeed, but among those possessed was the family Bible,
which answered the purpose of reader, spelling-book and ancient
history. Mrs. Allen taught her children to write, which was a great
accomplishment for those reared on the frontier.
All of the children learned the use of firearms, for this was one
of the necessities in a new country surrounded by wild beasts and sav¬
ages. This settlement contained but few white inhabitants and they
were considerably scattered.
One day the Allen children had gone to visit at a neighbor’s about
a mile distant, when not returning at the time expected their mother
began to get anxious. About sundown she was so worried that she
went to the field, a short distance away, where her husband was at
work, and informed him of her anxiety. Mr. Allen told her that he
didn’t think there was any cause for alarm as no Indians had been
seen lurking around the settlement and there were no streams of
water in the vicinity large enough for the children to get into, and
be drowned. His wife said so much, however, that he quit work and
went to ascertain the cause of the children staying so late.
On reaching his neighbor’s house, he was much alaimed to find
that they had started for home some time before his arrival. There
were two paths between these settlers’ habitations one the more
direct way, the other a circuitous route that ran a part of the way
through a heavy growth of trees in which flowed a small brook. He
took this latter path home, but saw no trace of the children, or heard
anything from them, though he loudly called their names at intervals.
On reaching his habitation, he found his wife in great agitation
and apprehension over the disappearance of the children.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
333
She had seen her husband enter the clearing without them and she
knew that they had strayed away and were lost or had been captured
by the Indians. While they were considering the matter of raising
the neighbors to go in search of the missing ones, they saw a hunter
approaching which proved to be Joe the scout, a noted character of
that region, and they thought it best to ask his advice.
The new-comer was indeed a character. He was six feet tall
and muscularly built with broad shoulders and well-rounded chest.
His face was darkly browned from exposure in all kinds of
weather and well wrinkled by time and when in repose his countenance
had a good-natured expression. When thoroughly aroused it under¬
went a complete transformation. A bold determination, undaunted
self-confident and crafty cunning, with a contempt and recklessness
of danger, might be read in every lineament. His somewhat stoop¬
ing figure then became erect and the loose, heavy, swinging gait, was
succeeded by a light, springy step, like that of the panther or wild cat.
His dress consisted of a cap made of the skin of some wild animal,
a loose hunting jacket, girdled at the waist by a belt that held a
hunting knife in a sheath. His lower limbs were encased in leggings
of undressed hides and instead of shoes he wore moccasins made
from the skin of a moose.
The scout was a great hunter, not only of all kinds of game, but
of the red man whom he equalled if not excelled in craftiness and
cunning, as well as in every species of wood craft.
During the last Indian war, while returning from a hunt in the
forest, the scout had seen his habitation set on fire and burned to the
ground by a large party of savages and his wife and children mas¬
sacred without the power to prevent this destruction. The Indians
were too many to attack openly and he withdrew into the woods.
Lifting his right hand to heaven he took a solemn oath to be avenged
on every one of these wild beasts in human form, who had destroyed
his home and murdered his family. From that time on he hunted
the band which had blighted his life, and before the war was over
he had shot and killed most of the murderers.
There were yet two others remaining, who had hitherto eluded his
avenging arm.
The scout, having heard the story of the disappearance of the
children, remarked that the pesky redskins were no doubt the cause
of their absence. Capt. Joe Woodman, his commanding officer, an¬
ticipating an Indian outbreak, he said had directed his minute men
to be on the alert, and he was looking around in obedience to the order
to watch for any indications of the presence of the savages. He
thought in case the Indians had captured the children that they would
take them to Canada to hold for a ransom or to dispose of to the
French for large bounties.
334
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Bidding Mr. Allen not to follow him as he could make an inves¬
tigation better alone, the scout started off into the woods. In about
an hour he returned with the information that the children had been
captured by Indians. He found their tracks near the brook already
mentioned. The savages had gone northward, probably far enough to
prevent pursuit that night and would likely be astir very early
and on their way to Canada by the first light of day.
It was finally decided after much discussion that the scout and
Mr. Allen should go in pursuit — the former at first insisting that he
should go alone, as he could do much better by himself. To this the
parents would not listen, and the scout reluctantly consented to
Mr. Allen’s accompanying him, provided he yielded implicit obedience
to whatever was required of him. Mr. Allen assented to this con¬
dition, as he had great confidence in the scout’s sagacity and good
judgment.
Preparations were accordingly made for a very early start on the
following morning. The parents got very little rest that night, but
the scout slept soundly, as if nothing unusual was on hand for the
morrow. He awoke, however, while the stars were shining, and
eating a hearty meal, he slipped his right arm and head through
the straps on his powder horn and hunting bag, the latter containing
a hatchet, a flint and tinder, some dried meat and corn bread, then
he picked up his rifle to see if the priming was satisfactory and
finding it so he turned to Mrs. Allen and said : “Don’t worry about
the children, we will overtake the varmints who have carried them
away, in the course of two or three days. Old Joe knows how to
outwit them.”
Here he uttered a low, self-satisfied chuckle as if he had already
accomplished the feat and had the savages in his power. The con¬
fidence of the scout gave the mother considerable courage.
The scout and Mr. Allen began their long tramp at break of day,
but before going, Mrs. Allen put into the already well filled game
bag of her husband, some delicacies for the children.
The Indians having made captives of the children while returning
home as was feared, started as anticipated for Canada with them be¬
fore the sun was up. As the scout concluded, they had gone only far
enough the night before to insure not being pursued. This way was
a severe one for the children. One of the savages led the way,
followed by Rebecca, John and Susan in single file with the other
Indian bringing up the rear to keep the children in line and prevent
them from going through soft places where their tracks might be left,
and from breaking any twigs along the way to show that they had
passed over the route.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
335
The savages hurried them along as fast as they could go. They
were beset with black flies and mosquitoes, till their faces and hands
were covered with blood. At one time the boy burst out crying,
whereupon the Indian who followed the children raised his tomahawk
and threatened to cut his head open. Rebecca darted in front of the
savage and clasping her brother in her arms to shield him from the
anticipated blow told the Indian hotly that he should not hurt John.
This action enraged the savage and he was about to strike her, when
the spartan spirit of Susan rose superior to the crisis. She told the
barbarian to let her brother and sister alone. “A little cry from
John,” she said, “will ease his feelings and do you no harm. Why
can’t we have some twigs to keep the mosquitoes from eating us up?
Come, John, be brave and stout-hearted and don’t cry. Papa will
come by and by and take us home.”
What she said appeared to have weight with the other savage,
for after an earnest conversation with his companion in words the
children didn’t understand he went off a considerable distance and
came back with some evergreen twigs which were given the chldren,
to ease in keeping off the insects; then the Indian who had brought up
the rear took the lead and the tramp was resumed.
They were not allowed to stop even to eat anthing, but the dried
meat given them for food was eaten while in motion. They did not
lack, however, for good nice cool water. There were numerous
springs along the way from which the savages drank and allowed
their captives also to drink, the water being dipped up in birch bark
drinking cups which the Indians carried with them.
About sundown, the children being very tired, they were taken
by one of the Indians to a place off from the trail, where they might
camp for the night, leaving the other to ascertain whether they were
being followed.
The scout and Mr. Allen had not reached that far and the Indian,
after a long wait, having settled in his own mind that they were not
being pursued, joined his associate. The children went to sleep in
tears — both girls having their arms around John, as if to shield him
from harm.
The second day’s journey was but a repetition of the first except
that it was a more tiresome one for the children. Their feet had
become sore and their limbs ached. Insects had troubled them as
on the previous day, but not so severely.
They felt a great relief when a place was spotted for their
night’s stay on the height of land, near a pond, now called Bryant’is
Pond in Woodstock, which was one of the sources of the Little Andros¬
coggin river. The Indians had seen no indications of pursuit and
thought they could throw off some restraint, and relax their vigilance.
This was precisely what the scout had calculated upon.
336
HISTORY OF NORWAY
While Mr. Allen, on setting out, desired that they keep in motion
through the day at as rapid a pace as possible, the scout wished not
to get near enough to the savages to be discovered till the time came
to act. This he thought would come at the end of the second or at
most the third day. It was absolutely necessary for the success of
his plan that the savages be thrown off their guard, otherwise though
they might accomplish the destruction of the Indians, the lives of
some at least of the children would be put in jeopardy. They found
no serious difficulty in following the trail, for while strict orders had
been given the children not to break a twig or travel over soft places
where their footprints would be left, there would be some places,
where traces remained. The spot where the Indian threatened to
tomahawk the boy was long and carefully examined by the scout.
At last he made it all out, but wisely said nothing to the anxious
father.
On the second day they pressed their pursuit with all their endur¬
ance and energy. In crossing a brook the scout discovered partially
covered with leaves a track of one of the children’s feet which had
been freshly made. After reaching the top of a hill about sunset the
scout directed Mr. Allen to stop where he was while he went forward
to reconnoiter. In a short time he returned with the welcome intel¬
ligence that the Indians were near at hand with the children.
They made a detour and came into the vicinity of the party behind
a little ridge of land. Selecting a spot thickly covered with bushes,
they crept to a place where they could observe the movements of the
savages, without being themselves seen. The ground from here gently
sloped to the pond. The father eagerly noted that the children were
under a tree, the boy lying on the ground, apparently asleep, with his
head in Rebecca’s lap, while she leaned against the trunk, and kept
off the flies and mosquitoes from her little brother’s face.
Near them sat Susan with her eyes intently fixed on some object
near the pond.
In looking in that direction they noticed that a deer stood near
the water and one of the Indians was trying to get near enough to
it, unobserved, to shoot it. The other Indian, who had been acting
as guard, had moved a short distance away to get a better view of
the animal and to see how his companion managed, leaving his gun
leaning against a tree.
It was time for the scout to act, and that quickly. Leaving Mr.
Allen to perform his part, according to instructions, at the proper
moment, he hastily, yet as noiselessly as possible, crept back out of the
bushes and to the other side of the tree against which Rebecca was
sitting. In a whisper he said, “Don’t stir, I am old Joe, the scout.
Your father is near and we have come to save you. Tell Susan to get
that Indian’s gun when she hears the report of my rifle.” Rebecca
leaned forward over the form of the sleeping boy, and whispered her
HISTORY OF NORWAY
337
instructions to her sister while the scout moved to another place
where he could better watch the movements of the Indian, who was
intent on shooting the deer. The animal started at some slight noise,
pricked up its ears to listen when the sharp report of the savage’s
rifle rang out through the forest, followed by another, and the death
yell of the Indian. The other Indian, who had been intently watching
the animal, turned and, realizing the situation, sprang for his gun but
Susan had secured it, and as he reached forth his hands to take it the
brave little girl, impelled to action by her father shouting, “Fire,
Susan! Fire for your life!” discharged it point blank at the savage’s
breast and he fell to the ground and in a few moments breathed his
last.
John awoke with a cry of alarm, but his father was soon on the
spot and clasped him to his breast. They all wept for joy. Another
place was selected for their stay over night. It was on higher ground,
where the insects did not trouble them so much. A shelter of boughs
was hastily constructed in which other boughs were laid, that made
a soft bed. Fires were built around the place to keep off wildcats and
panthers, for these animals were numerous in that part of the country.
The scout brought hither the carcass of the deer which the Indian had
killed and he had skinned. The bodies of the slain savages were left
where they fell, after he had cut off their scalps.
Choice steaks of venison were nicely roasted, and all partook of
a hearty supper. Then all but the scout went to sleep. He thought
it best to keep watch, and he spent his time in roasting such parts
of the deer as they would need for food on their two days journey
home.
During the night he heard the screech of a panther off on the
mountain, on the other side of the pond. At intervals it sounded
nearer and nearer, and he knew that the animal was approaching
the place where they were. He put fresh fuel on the fires, and quietly
went on with his work. Soon the cries of the panther ceased, and
he concluded that it had found the bodies of the Indians and remains
of the deer, and was devouring the flesh. Toward morning Mr. Allen
awoke and took his place as sentinel, while the scout should get a
little rest.
The sun had been risen some time when the scout awoke. He
found that Mr. Allen and the children had already breakfasted and
were in readiness to begin their journey home. They did not have
long to wait. Filling his game bag with cooked venison, as Mr. Allen
had already, done, he stopped only long enough to eat a little of the
bread he had brought with him, then he led the way towards the
settlement, eating the meat, to finish his breakfast as he went along.
Below the falls to which Capt. Jonathan Snow afterwards gave
his name they constructed a rude raft on which they floated with the
current, till the course of the river changed to the eastward.
338
HISTORY OF NORWAY
About sundown on the fourth day of their absence they emerged
from the woods, into Mr. Allen’s clearing. A shout of joy went up
from the children which brought the mother to the door. She had just
gone into the house disappointed, at seeing no signs of them, though
she had looked a hundred times that day. Shading her eyes with her
right hand to shut out the glare of the setting sun in her face she
caught sight of the children, her husband and the scout approaching.
Waiting only to make sure that her children had indeed returned
safe, Mrs. Allen fell on her knees and uttered a fervent prayer of
thanksgiving and praise to God. So the children running to her
found her. They clustered around her and almost smothered her
with kisses. When Mr. Allen reached his wife he raised her up and
led her into the house. Then they turned to speak to the scout, but
he had vanished. In Mr. Allen’s pocket, he found the scalp taken
from the head of the Indian slain by Susan, carefully wrapped in
some leaves of moosewood.
Another Indian war (the last) in Maine soon broke out and
Mr. Allen like many others moved his family to a place of safety till
it should be over. As in previous wars with the savages, the General
Court at Boston gave bounties for Indian scalps. As one war suc¬
ceeded another, these bounties had been increased till in the last one
it amounted to two hundred pounds, a sum equal to about one thou¬
sand dollars. The scalp taken from the head of the Indian killed by
Susan was presented to the authorities with others by the scout
Joe and the bounties were paid him. Susan divided the sum she
received with Rebecca “share and share alike,” and these with ac¬
cumulated interest according to tradition among their descendants
constituted their dowry, when they were married.
Just how much the scout received for Indian scalps during the
war is not known. But it was enough to keep him from want till
death, at a ripe old age. He always declared with great gratification
that the two savages, slain while attempting to carry the Allen chil¬
dren into captivity, were the last of the band that had destroyed his
home and massacred his family.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
339
PART IV
Genealogies
The family statistics are not so full and complete as the author
would like to have them. It is chiefly the same old story,— lack of
co-operation and interest on the part of those who should have
rendered assistance. Collateral branches have not been gone into
extensively lest the work be made too voluminous. Family lines
have been traced, where possible, to immigrant ancestors and dates
will be found quite full — much more so, than in ordinary town
histories. No apology, however, is offered — this part of the history
being the best without weeks more of hard labor and research, that
the author could produce.
Abbott.
John and Hannah (Farnum) Abbott were early settlers in
Andover. Their son Jonathan m. Ruth Bragg. Of their children
was Enoch, who m. Sarah Farnum, and Thomas, their son, m. Eliz¬
abeth Simpson and had James Monroe, b. Andover, Jan. 13, 1823, who
m. Sarah Jane Berry of Norway. After living awhile in Norway
he removed to Oxford. One of their children, Laura Ella, b. Sept.
21, 1852, m. Rufus S. Penley of Norway. Thomas Abbott, the father
of James Monroe, was a blacksmith, settled in Oxford and died there,
Mar. 26, 1877. The descendants of John and Hannah (Farnum)
Abbott are very numerous and reside in many of the towns in
northern Oxford County.
George G. Abbott, son of William and grandson of Enoch, b. abt
1848, m. Flora Morse. They lived in the extreme N. W. part of the
town in the Pierce neighborhood, originally the Stephen Pingree
farm. He d. Feb. 20, 1917, aged 68. 7 ch. Wid. lives on home
farm with youngest daughter.
I. Florence Eunice, b July 5, 1876 m J. Edwin Marston.
II. Geo. Jacob, b Jan. 14, 1879 d. Apr. 1879.
III. Edward Spalding, b. Mar. 25, 1880, m. Lydia (Stetson) Powers.
IV. Calvin, b. Nov. 12, 1882, d. unm. July 13, 1914, aged 32.
V. Ethel Sherman, b. Apr. 23, 1885 m. Eugene O. French.
VI. Stevens Morse, b. Dec. 13, 1887 m. Vera West.
VII. Esther Gladys, b. Jan. 15, 1894; m. Caroll R. Greenleaf.
Ulysses S. Grant, bro. of George G. Abbott, b. Upton May
3, 1869; m. Viola Brown. No ch.
Philip, Isaac, Timothy and Nathaniel from Andover, were set¬
tlers in Norway about 1807. The three latter were sons of Philip,
who married Susan Frye.
Isaac, one of the brothers, born in Andover, Mass., about 1789,
married Betsey, daughter of Asa Lovejoy the Rev. soldier, born May
31, 1793. They had eight children:
Isaac W., the youngest, b. 1833; m. Clara Hawes. She d. July 6,
1897, “aged 64.” He is (1922) living with his daughter near Steep
Falls. Children :
Florence E., m. 1896 Newton W. Green of Otisfield (one son).
Lidu C., living on the old homestead, unmarried.
Horace L. Abbott, d. Jan. 21, 1861, at nearly three years of age.
340
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Hosea E. Abbott, born 1853, married Caroline A. Guptill, born
1865, and came here from Fryeburg or vicinity in the eighties. He
died Aug. 18, 1919; widow died Sept. 24, 1920. Children:
Emma Blanche, m. 1911, Albion L. Buck.
Alice Maud, m. 1914, Leslie N. Wood of Auburn.
Akers.
Capt. Charles S. Akers, born Nov. 11, 1863, married Effie Isa¬
belle Milner, daughter of Charles Grosvenor and Margaret (Steele)
Milner and a granddaughter of Rev. Reuben Milner, a Baptist
preacher b. in Yorkshire, England, in 1780. On the maternal side
she is descended from Priscilla Mullens of the Mayflower. She has
been in the postal service for about 20 years and is very popular with
the patrons of the office.
Captain Akers is the son of Sylvanus and Mary (Crockett)
Akers of Errol, N. H., and grandson of John and Nancy Ann
(Leonard) Akers.
Sylvanus, born Errol, N. H., July 5, 1823, died in Andover, Nov.
25, 1866; widow died in Norway after 1886. They had two children:
1. Elizabeth Ann, b. Sept. 23, 1849; m. John T. Crooker; d. June
7, 1921 ; no issue.
II. Charles Sylvanus, was C. of the Norway Military Co. and
village Postmaster for eight years; clerk in shoe factory; 2 ch:
1. Vivian Milner, b. Dec. 6, 1886; m. 1915, Edith B. Verrill. He is
an accomplished artist and an expert photographer.
2. Ruth Crockett, b. Apr. 10, 1900.
Allen.
Elbridge G. Allen, son of William, born in Poland, Sept. 5, 1819,
came here in 1846 and engaged in the trade of a blacksmith which
he followed to his death. He married in 1849, Louisa Dudley, born
Nov. 4, 1824; died Jan. 16, 1898; she died Jan. 29, 1913. Children:
I. Sarah E., b. Apr. 23, 1850; m. Geo. A. Cole.
II. Charles B., b. Dec. 13, 1852; m. Eva Lucas; shoemaker; served
several times as juryman; a good citizen; no children.
III. Wm. E., b. Jan. 7, 1858; m. Lillian Whidden. She d. some
twenty-five years ago. Res., Lynn, Mass. No children.
Ames.
Samuel Ames, born Haverhill, Mass., Feb. 25, 1759, married
Jerusha Baker, born 1760. His real name was Samuel Buck, and
under that name he served in the Rev. War and was a drummer.
He beat the drum at Gen. John Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga,
N. Y., Oct. 19, 1777. He beat the drum at the first regimental mus¬
ter in Norway in 1802. He was the first resident of Rust’s Mills,
afterwards Norway Village. Was the first miller also in the place.
He was a man of note in the village. His mother’s name was Ames,
which for some reason he assumed before coming to Maine. He was
descended from William Buck, “plow-wright”, who with four sons
came to Massachusetts about 1635, and settled at Cambridge.
Robert the youngest, then 18, lived at Cambridge with his father.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
341
He had 3 sons, John, Samuel, and Ephraim who married Sarah,
daughtei of John Brooks. They had four sons, Ephraim, John,
Samuel and Ebenezer. Samuel Ames was the grandson of one of
these four brothers. Abijah Buck, for whom Buckfield was named,
born 1742, was grandson of this John. It is known that Samuel
Ames was closely related to Abijah Buck and Capt. Jonathan Buck
of Bucksport, one of the heroes of the Revolutionary War. They
were all born in the same section of Mass.
Mrs. Clara A. Hayden in her 93rd year wrote:
My grandfather's mother was Hannah Ames, daughter of Joseph Ames of Box-
ford, Mass. She was born Sept. 30, 1728, and married Jacob Buck of Haverhill,
May 7, 1752, and died Mar. 18, 1809. The children of Jacob and Hannah (Ames)
Buck were Moses, Asa, Hannah, Samuel, born Feb. 25, 1759 (my grandfather),
Phebe, Jacob, Eliphalet, Mary and Nathan.”
Samuel Ames died Mar. 19, 1852. His wife died Jan. 8, 1844,
aged 83. 11 children — 4 of them at two births. One of the three
sons, John, died in infancy; Mary, the oldest, born 1783, married
Amos Ordway. Eliza b. 1788; m. David Webber of Oxford. The
school-house in the vicinity where they lived is called the Webber
school-house to this day.
IX. Baker, b. Apr. 9, 1797; m. Rebecca, dau. of Nathaniel Stevens,
a pioneer at Center Norway. He lived at the head of the village
near the mills. He d. Apr. 24, 1853; wid. d. Dec. 11, 1859. Three
of their 7 children married and settled in Norway. 3 Edmund,
b. Jan. 31, 1824, m. Clarissa A. Smith. He d. Apr. 10, 1902;
wid. d. Aug. 7, 1908; 8 ch.
1 Ellen F., b July 16, 1848; d. Sept 10, 1849.
2 Ida J., b Feb 16, 1850; m O. A. Wilkins; d Oct 10, 1881.
3 Fred F., b Jan 20, 1852; m Maria Harrington. Ch: Eddie
Francis, b Mar 18, 1881; m Letitia Legrow; Georgia Anna, b Feb.
16, 1884; Frank, d young, and Hobart, d Dec 9, 1891; w. d June 22,
1892, and he m 2. Jessie E. Hill. He d June 24, 1900.
4 Lizzie R., b Apr 25, 1856; d Sept 3, 1902.
5 Nellie J., b Jan 2, 1858; d Dec 21, 1860.
6 Harry F., b Nov 6, 1860; m Carrie Farrar.
7 Geo. M., b Oct 27, 1862; m Fanny Johns of Nova Scotia
and has 2 ch., Clara and Francis.
8 Lilia E., b July 29, 1867; m Charles Scribner of Otisfield.
5. Clara A., dau. of Baker, b. Jan. 25, 1829; m. John J. Hayden;
d. Apr. 28, 1922.
X. Moses, son of Samuel, b. Jan. 20, 1799; m. Harriet Ellis, b.
Apr. 4, 1808. He lived in the corner formed by Main and Fair
streets in the village. He d. Jan. 20, 1881. His wife d. Jan.
25, 1841. Two of their four children d. young.
1. George Sewell, b. Oct. 19, 1829; m. Julia F. Cram of Canton,
Mass. They lived many years in Norway Village, where his wife
was a music teacher, and he a manufacturer of piano keys. The
family removed to Mass.; one of their two children died in infancy.
Mary C. was b. in Canton, Mass., Oct. 11, 1864. He d. Nov. 29, 1917.
2. Dorothy Ellis, b. Feb. 14, 1833; m. Chas. H. Brown of Candia,
N. H.
342
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Anderson.
John Anderson, of Scottish-Irish ancestry, came to America
about 1700. He married in Watertown, Mass., Rebecca Waite, July
16, 1706. Their son, Abraham, b. Aug. 18, 1708, settled in Windham.
For his 2d wife he married Mrs. Anna Cloudman, whose first hus¬
band, Edward Cloudman, being taken prisoner by the Indians, in
their attack on Gorham, Apr. 19, 1746, died in captivity. Their son,
John Anderson, b. Nov. 7, 1755, married Anna Woodman. He was
a soldier in the Revolution. Thomas, the oldest child, b. 1778, m.
1801, Hannah Hall. They resided in Standish and had seven chil¬
dren; Joseph, the 6th, b. Aug. 5, 1816, m. 1, Lucy Gordon; 2, Emeline
Hall. He resided at Webb’s Mills. T. Walter Anderson, by 2d wife,
b. July 4, 1852; m. 1876, Martha Ella, dau. of Charles and Lucy
(Sanborn) Robbins. Children:
I. Ida Maude, b. Sept. 22, 1827; m. J. Willard Hassan, Brockton,
Mass. She d. May 28, 1902. She had one child, Irene M.,
b. Apr. 1, 1900.
II. Harold A., b. May 13, 1886; m. 1907, Esther L. Tower. They
have four children.
1. W. Elliott, b. Sept. 29, 1907.
2. Dorothy A., b. July 24, 1910.
3. Margaret E., b. June 23, 1916.
4. Virginia T., b. July 19, 1918.
Andrews.
Samuel Andrews, b. Feb. 8, 1771, came here from Eastern Maine
and married Eunice, daughter of David Frost, Sen., b. Dec. 25, 1/79.
He settled on Frost Hill, from which his descendants went into
Otisfield and adjoining towns. He died in Feb., 1839, “aged 68.”
11 children:
I. John, b. May 7, 1802; m. Harriet E. - ; set. in Otisfield.
He d. Dec. 7, 1845. She d. Mar. 27, 1868, “aged 62 yrs.
10 mos.”
II. David, b. Apr. 12, 1804; m. Harriet Sawyer, dau. of Capt.
Jonathan Sawyer, b. Mar. 26, 1809; settled in Otisfield.
III. Samuel, b. June 14, 1806; d. Oct. 10, 1861, “aged 55 yrs. 4
mos.”
V. Asa, b Mar. 15, 1809; m. Sally Alexander Stubbs, b Oct.
1818; set. in Otisfield. He d. Dec. 27, 1893; she d. Apr. 14,
1905. They were the parents of Wm. Wallace Andrews, a
soldier in the Civil War who m. Addie A. Pike, dau. of
Luther F. Pike of Norway.
VI. Molly J., b. July 5, 1811; m. Lothrop Edwards of Otisfield,
b. Oct. 1806; he d. Mar. 19, 1847, and she remarried.
VII. Nathaniel, b. July 17, 1814; d. Sept. 26, 1853.
VIII. Robert, b. Apr. 12, 1817; m. Mary - ; she d. Sept. 25,
1841, aged 23.
IX. Solomon L., b. Aug. 7, 1821; m. Sarah J. - ; he d. Sept.
22, 1869; she d. Jan. 28, 1856, aged about 34.
X. Moses D., b. Nov. 16, 1822; d. Jan. 17, 1846, “aged 23 yrs.
6 mos.”
XI. Eben C., b. July 5, 1825; m. Mary A. Haskell.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
343
«
DAVID S. ANDREWS
ALBERT F. ANDREWS
EBEN C. ANDREWS
SILAS D. ANDREWS
LT. GEO. F. ANDREWS
CHARLES ANDREWS
344
HISTORY OF NORWAY
David Andrews, son of Samuel, b. 1804; m. Harriet Sawyer,
b. 1809. He d. Apr. 7, 1851. She d. Apr. 2, 1880. Of their ten
children, six died young.
I David Sawyer b. Otisfield, Feb. 9, 1830, m. Mary E. Howe b.
N. Aug. 2, 1882. The family lived for several years on lower Main
St. in Norway village. Mr. Andrews before coming to Norway was
prominent in the affairs of his town and represented it in the legis¬
lature. He was a very intelligent man, a kind father, a tender
husband, a model citizen and a faithful friend. Three of his five
children died in infancy. He d. Feb. 2, 1901. His wife d. Oct. 22,
1887.
3. Henry H. b. Feb. 17, 1859, set. in Nebraska and is able and
prominent in the business affairs of his section.
5. Florence M. b. Mar. 10, 1864, m. 1887 Dr. Geo. B. Andrews
of W. Paris. Set. in Auburn. He d. Aug. 31, 1912, aged 50. Prior
to her marriage she was a successful teacher in the Norway village
schools.
Ill Lt. George F. b. Feb. 7, 1833, m. Emeline P. Shedd, b. Otisfield,
Aug. 17, 1836. He was an officer in the Civil War (Co. C.
25th Me.) and re-enlisted from Otisfield. He was a cattle
drover for several years for the Brighton, Mass, market
with Colman F. Lord, John A. Bolster and others. He d.
Dec. 1, 1897. Wife d. Oct. 7, 1884. 2 ch.
1. Effie b. Sept. 28, 1859; d. Feb. 16, 1880.
2. Georgia E. b. Sept. 7, 1862; m. John F. Swain— no issue.
IV Albert Francis b. Oct. 17, 1835; m. Elizabeth J. Brett of Paris,
b. May 17, 1840. He came to Norway with his brothers
about 1875. He was one of the leading citizens of the
village and town, representative to the legislature and built
up with his sons a great business in Western horses, which
is (1922) successfully conducted by his oldest son and his
sons. His death, which occurred Aug. 28, 1903, was a
great loss to the village and town. His widow survives,
past 82 years of age. 4 ch.
1. Willard Melville, b. Sept. 12, 1860; d. Apr. 24, 1869.
2. Nellie L., b. July 13, 1863— was a teacher for many years in
the village schools. Resides with her mother.
3 Herbert Francis, b. Dec. 4, 1865; m. 1891 Lena M. dau. of
Chas P (a Civil War soldier) and Sarah F. (Eames) Jordan of
Waterford; b. May, 7, 1867. She was a successful teacher in the
Norway village schools. Mr. Andrews is one of the principal busi¬
ness men of the village and town and has served in the legislature.
3 ch. Donald Jordan, b May 17, 1896; m Apr 1919, Annie M New-
comb— 1 ch: Francis Swain, b Apr 23, 1920. Lt. Frames Swam,
b Aug 5, 1898, an officer in the World War. d. Jan 2, 1920. Glenn
C'’ 4 AEugene9Eimer, b Apr 11, 1867; m 1893 Georgia M. Packard.
Res. Watertown, Mass. Has a summer home on the lake here. For
many years he was in business here with his father and brother.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
345
Was a member of the legislature of 1911. Mrs. Andrews was in the
millinery business in the village prior to her marriage. Active in the
D. A. R. and kindred societies; a very able and intelligent lady.
Children :
1. Madeline Packard, b Jan 24, 1897; d Mar 9, 1910.
2. Roland E., b Oct 11, 1902.
V Silas Dexter, b. Sept 3, 1838, m. Katie T. Foster. For many
years he was in successful business in the village and a
prominent member of the Congregational Church. He d.
March 2, 1916. Wife d. May 10, 1913. No issue.
\I Charles, b Dec 19, 1851; coll grad and teacher; d Apr 12,
1883.
Eben C. Andrews, youngest son of Samuel, the pioneer on
Phillips Gore, b. in Norway, July 5, 1825; m. 1846, Mary A. Haskell
of Otisfield. He d. Sept. 26, 1882 from an injury received in a run¬
away accident on the fair grounds. His widow survived him many
years, dying July 7, 1902 at 81 nearly. When about a dozen years
old he went to Otisfield where he continued to reside till about the
time the shoe factory was built here, when he returned to Norway
and engaged in business with his nephew, Silas Dexter Andrews.
While in Otisfield, he was much in town office and served on the
board of the Cumberland County Commissioners as its chairman for
three years. For the eight years he lived in Norway prior to his
death, he took an active part in the building of the old town hall
block and was president of the Norway Building Association that
constructed it, in obtaining the street railway from Norway to South
Paris, in every movement designed to benefit the village and
town; and every movement for the betterment of society, like the tem¬
perance and moral reform causes, had his hearty co-operation and
support. As an all-round, able, intelligent, upright and worthy
citizen and faithful friend, he had no superior in our knowledge
of public men and but very few who might be even considered his
peers. When the writer came to Norway to live, Mr. Andrews was
the one man he went to for counsel and assistance. He was like a
father and regard and affection for him strengthened with every
year he afterwards lived. In visiting the old graveyard in Otisfield
a few years ago where he and his good wife with four of their child¬
ren sleep, I reverently bared my head beside his grave. Lizzie and
Nellie died in infancy. W. Scott and Daniel G., both exemplary
young men, were drowned the same day — June 29, 1867. Two
daughters survive their parents.
1. Agnes M., m. 1877, John D. Wilson. On the death of his
father-in-law, Mr. Wilson removed to Mass, and entered the prison
service of that state at the State Reformatory at Concord as an
official, and having ably and faithfully served over a third of a
century has been retired on half pay for life. He is now (1922)
in the real estate business. He and his good wife have three children
who are residents of Mass.
2. Emma A., m. Gershom Files, a native of Otisfield who served
over forty years as a police officer in Boston. He was one of the
346
HISTORY OF NORWAY
few who remained at his post of duty during the famous strike of
the policemen there a few years ago (1919). He died in 1922. Their
two children reside in Boston.
Baker
Edward 1 Baker came to this country in 1630. Settled in
Saugus (now Lynn) on a hill still known as “Baker’s Hill.” Made a
freeman March 14, 1638. Had wife Jane - . Had five sons,
perhaps other children. When he died in March, 1687, gave his es¬
tate to sons John of Dedham, Edward and Thomas of Lynn.
Edward 2, son of the preceding, m April 7, 1685, Mary, dau of
Capt. Thomas Marshall. He was an ensign in the militia and free¬
man, 1691. Lived in Lynn.
Edward 3, son of Edward and Mary, b July 16, 1696, m Persis,
dau. of Samuel and Eliza (Howe) Bridgham, Nov. 22, 1721. Had
ten children, the oldest of which was Samuel. Was one of the
earliest settlers of Westborough. Was Representative to Massa¬
chusetts House of Representatives in 1741.
Samuel 4, oldest son of the preceding, b Aug 27, 1722 (West-
borough Records), m. Nov. 24, 1747, Susanna Taintor, b. Dec. 18,
1720, dau. of Simeon of Westborough. Susanna d. April 14, 1781,
and he m. second, Mary Bigelow of Worcester, April 20, 1786, who
survived him and died in Worcester in 1825.
Edward 5, son of Judge Samuel and Susanna Taintor, b June
15, 1755, married Hepzibah Fairbanks; settled in Waterford, Maine.
Eleven children, all born in Waterford.
John 6, the 4th child, m first, Nancy Shurtleff; second, Martha
Stevens. Died Feb. 28, 1864. Children:
I Harriet F. b. 1817. m. Henry Upton, March 31, 1847.
II George b. May 16, 1819. m. Caroline (Gragg) Blanchard.
III Charles b. 1821. d. unm.
IV John N. b. Aug. 17, 1827. m. Jane M. Plummer.
V Elizabeth, d. at the age of 18, unm.
The last two were children of second marriage.
John Newton 7, son of John Baker and Martha Stevens, m
Jane M. Plummer, dau. of Samuel Plummer of Waterford, Dec. 3,
1858. He lived on the home place in Waterford until 1887 when he
moved his family to Norway, having purchased the Sumner Burnham
residence on Main Street which burned in the conflagration of 1894.
He rebuilt on the same lot in 1894 where he lived until his death, Dec.
3, 1902. Mrs. Baker died April 20, 1900. Both buried in family lot
in Norway Pine Grove Cemetery. They had three children, all born
in Waterford, Maine:
I Agnes M., b. Feb. 19, 1861. d. unm. in Idaho Springs,
Colorado, May 12, 1890.
II Margaret A. b. March 24, 1867. Lives in Portland, Maine.
Ill Jane P. b. Jan. 20, 1873. Lives in Portland, Maine.
Margaret and Jane Baker are descended from Revolutionary
stock, having at least four ancestors who served in that war, namely,
Samuel Baker, his son Edward, Thomas Stevens and Capt. Stephen
HISTORY OF NORWAY
347
Jewett, the last named on the Plummer side. They have been asso¬
ciated in the business affairs of the town for many years.
Margaret taught school from 1885 to 1894, teaching district schools
at first and finally taught in the Intermediate School in Norway
Village. In 1892 she entered the insurance office of Freeland Howe
where she worked for two years and where she learned the rudi-
mentals of insurance. In April 1894 she entered the insurance office
of W. J. Wheeler of South Paris, where she worked for 28 years.
In 1897 she was admitted to the firm which is known as W. J.
Wheeler & Co. and is still a member of that corporation. In May
1921 the home in Norway was sold and Miss Baker and her sister
moved to Portland. She is now employed as stenographer by one of
the leading Fire Ins. Cos.
Miss Margaret A. Baker has literary tastes and ability. The
following little poem of her composition is worthy of reproduction
here :
v “TO MY MOTHER
The fog rises up from the ocean,
And quickly the clear blue sky
Is filled with cloudlets fantastic,
As they swiftly soar on high,
Phantoms of rarest beauty
Sent up from the mighty deep
To the very gates of heaven, —
Carpets for angels’ feet.
My mother, do you see these pictures,
From your heavenly home above?
Can you lift the veil between us,
And strengthen me with your love?
Some days I so long for your presence,
That my heart is filled with pain
And I long to float up on the cloudlets
And meet my dear mother again.”
Miss Jane P. Baker graduated from Norway High School in
1891, after which she was employed in the office of B. F. Spinney &
Co. Later she was employed as clerk in the stores of Lewis Andrews
and Merritt Welch, dry goods merchants. When Thomas Smiley
bought the Welch store Miss Baker became his local manager, which
position she held for about ten years. Under her efficient manage¬
ment the business grew and she aided very materially in building up
the present business of Brown, Buck & Co., successors of .Thomas
Smiley. She is at present employed at Bines Bros. Co., Portland.
Bancroft
John 1 Bancroft and wife Jane emigrated from England to
Lynnfield, Mass., in the James in 1632. He died in 1637. Thomas 2,
m. there 1648 Elizabeth Metcalf of Dedham. Of their children was
John 3, b Mar 3, 1656, m 1678 Elizabeth Eaton. He d 1739 aged
83. They had a son John (4) b. there who m. 1, Mary Clark; 2, Mrs.
Mary Mansfield. He had one son John 5, who m. 1, Ruth Newhall,
348
HISTORY OF NORWAY
2, Eva Hawkes. His one son John 6, b April 18, 1740, m Mary
Walton and came to Norway abt. 1800 and settled on Merrill Hill,
about half a mile above the Jones school-house. He died in Norway
in 1820. She died in Albany, 1838. They had eleven children:
I John b. Nov 29, 1768, went to New Orleans, his fate unknown.
II Mary b. Sept. 4, 1770, m. Benj. Peabody, settled in N. 12 ch.
III Eunice b. Oct. 3, 1772, m. Zacheus Perkins. 8 ch.
IV Nathaniel b. July 22, 1774, came to Norway in 1798, m. and
went East; d. on Isle of Grand Manan.
V Betty b. Oct. 18, 1777, m. Edmund Merrill of Norway. He d.
March 1, 1830. She d. Feb. 2, 1855. 10 ch.
VI Jacob b. Feb. 27, 1779, m Lydia Shedd, dau. of Jona., 1809.
Came to N. when father came, both d. in Albany, lived on
shore of Songo Pond.
VII Rhoda b. May 7, 1761, m. an Evans (did not come here).
VIII Sally b. July 8, 1783, m. Francis Upton, d. in Albany.
IX Jane b. Oct. 1785, m. 1810 Stephen Pingree Jr.
X Eben b. Dec. 30, 1787, m. 1812, Mary dau. of Enoch Merrill;
set. late in life in Waterford — bur. on Merrill Hill.
XI Lucy m. John Price; set. in Nova Scotia.
Barrows
Ephraim Barrows b. Carver, Mass., 1761. m. Charlotte
Churchill, b. there in 1771. He served in the Continental Army in the
Rev. Came to Hebron after the war, and removed to Norway about
1829 to live with his son, Benjamin, a mill man at Steep Falls. He
died May 30, 1838, aged 77. His widow died Jan. 5, 1858, aged 90.
Both bur. in Rustfield Cemetery.
Benjamin Barrows, son of Ephraim, the Rev. Sol., b. Hebron,
Sept. 2, 1792, m. Eliza, dau. of Levi Frank, b. Mar. 15, 1798. He d.
in 1877. She d. May 10, 1866. Ch.
I Benj. G. b. Sept. 7, 1818, m. Dorcas D. Chamberlain, b. Apr. 23,
1830. He d. Mar. 9, 1895. She d. Feb. 2, 1908. 3 ch.
Frances R. b Mar. 29, 1852, m 1869 Winfield Scott Partridge.
Jennie L. b. June 8, 1858.
Grace Ellen, b. Dec. 8, 1860.
II Nancy J. b. Oct 31, 1820, m. Dr. Alfred P. Burnell, d. Sept.
28, 1900.
III Miriam D. b. Dec. 27, 1823, m. Frank W. Perry, set. in N. G.
IV Amos Frank b. Nov. 4, 1827, d. young.
V Harriet Eliza b. Oct. 23, 1835, m. Lt. Asa G. Charles, a sol. in
the 17th Me. Set. in Mass.
VI Elizabeth E. b. July 24, 1840, m. Dr. Rodolphus Young, d.
Nov. 5, 1898.
Barton
Asa Barton born in Hanover, then a part of Bethel, Oct. 13,
1793, married Lydia Chase of Livermore, b. in Martha’s Vineyard,
Mass, in 179 — . He was the son of Aaron Barton of Bethel who
married Sally Smith, and had five children, the 2nd of whom was
Asa. He came to Bethel in 1774, before he was twenty-one, with
HISTORY OF NORWAY
349
Nathaniel Segar and Jonathan Bartlett. Aaron’s parents were Asa
and Mercy (Bartlett) Barton of Needham and Newton, Mass. He
was probably a Rev. Sol. Aaron was married, according to Bethel
history, Jan. 29, 1793. 5 children:
I. Asa, b. Oct. 13, 1793; m. Lydia Chase.
II. Aaron Jr., b. abt. 1795; m. Pamelia Foster.
III. Sarah, b. Feb. 27, 1798; m. Elliott Smith.
IV. Lavinia H., b. Dec. 20, 1805; m. Elliott Smith.
V. Mercy B. b. - 1808; m. Thomas Chase. She d. in Nor¬
way, Sept. 28, 1836, aged 28; buried in Rustfield Cem.
Asa Barton d. N., Feb. 1, 1848; buried in Rustfield Cem.; wid.
d. Minn., July 31, 1872; 8 ch. :
1. Lydia F., b. Hallowell, Mar. 24, 1819; m. John H. Tarbox of
Garland; d. Apr. 9, 1855.
2. Asa Bowers, b. Portland, Apr. 9, 1821; m. Olive M. Francis;
set. Minneapolis, Minn.; 1 ch. Florence C., b. Mar. 27, 1849.
3. Marian C., b. Paris, June 3, 1823; d. Jan. 12, 1828.
4. Melvina L., b. Paris, May 6, 1825; d. Somerville, Aug. 4, 1857.
5. Marian C., b. Norway, Dec. 9, 1829; m. Robert Tilson; d. at
E. Cam., Apr. 1858.
6. George D., b. Jan. 1, 1830; m. Eunice H. Longley; d. Boston,
Feb. 6, 1867.
7. Henrietta C., b. Apr. 17, 1832; d. July 18, 1902.
8. Emery L., b. June 18, 1835; d. Bangor, Oct. 8, 1836.
Bartlett
Capt. Josiah Bartlett, born Plymouth, Mass, in 1753, served a
short period in the army during the Revolution. He obtained his
title of Captain as master of a sailing vessel. He may have been
in the privateer service; at one time he entertained the project of
enlisting a crew to hunt for sunken treasure in the West Indies.
Capt. Bartlett was 5th in descent from Robert Bartlett who came
in the Ann in 1623 and m Mary, dau. of Richard Warren, a May¬
flower Pilgrim. Their son Joseph b. 1639 m. Hannah Farewell. Their
son Robert b. 1663 m. Sarah Bartlett, his cousin, and had a son b.
1713, Robert, who m. 1733 Rebecca Wood. Their 7th child was Capt.
Josiah who m. Martha Holmes. They were among the first settlers
on the Lee’s Grant about 1795. He was by far the ablest and best
informed man in that section in his day. He d. before 1820 and was
probably buried in the Pike’s Hill Cem. 9 ch. Tilden, m. Elizabeth
Buck, dau. of John of Buckfield, set. in Bethel and had 11 children.
Josiah Jr., m. Hannah Tubbs, dau. of Jacob, sen., and lived in N.
Paris and Albany. In latter town when U. S. census was taken in
1850. Malachi m. Joan Cobb, dau. of Isaac, the Rev. Sol. living in
the neighborhood. He sold out about 1820 and moved to Abbott.
Sylvanus m. Mary Noyes, dau. of Bela, the Rev. Sol. in Ham¬
lins’ Grant (Woodstock), Lemuel m. Hannah, dau. of Joshua
Crockett, and moved elsewhere. Martha m. John Cummings of
Albany and Abigail m. Daniel Cummings of Paris. None of Capt.
Bartlett’s descendants so far as known are now (1922) living in
Norway.
350
HISTORY OF NORWAY
William Bartlett, son of Lemuel and Mary (Doughty — Doty)
Bartlett and grandson of Robert who m. Sarah Bartlett, was b. in
1744. He m. 1777 Mary Holmes and settled in N. near the foot of
the Great Pond. He was a Sol. in the Rev. He d. Dec. 4, 1814,
“aged 70 yrs.” His wife d. May 8, 1822, “aged 63 yrs.” They are
buried in the Norway Center Cem. They had 9 children; Esther,
the oldest, b. 1780, has come down to us as laboring through a long
unm. life of over 78 years as a seamstress. She is buried beside
her parents. Stephen went to sea, was wrecked and died from his
injuries and exposure. Emily, b. 1785, m. John Perry. Allan m.
Abigail Haskell, Flavel m. Hannah Norton, Jane b. 1800, m. Nathan¬
iel Stevens Jr.
Allan Bartlett, son of William, the Rev. Sol. b. 1789, m. 1811
Abigail Haskell of Portland. They settled elsewhere. Of their nine
children were, Washington Allan, a Lieut. Com’r in the U. S. Navy,
who m. a New York lady, and Caroline S., who m. Lyman Daniels,
son of Jere Hobbs, Jr. They settled in Boston.
Rev. Flavel Bartlett, bro. of Allan, b. April 12, 1792, m.
Hannah Norton, b. Nov. 14, 1793. He was a Free Will Baptist
preacher. He d. Mar. 22, 1873. Wid. d. Oct. 14, 1873. Their son,
Allan Smith Bartlett, a merchant in Foxcroft, came here in the fifties,
m. Mary E. Brooks and was in trade for many years with his bro.-in-
law, Geo. A. Brooks, in what is known to this day as the Bartlett
store building. He d. May 27, 1876. Wid. d. July 30, 1897. 3 ch.
1. Allan Flavel, b. Nov. 10, 1858; set. in Lynn, Mass., m. and
d. Sept. 22, 1913.
2. Eugene W., b. Sept. 17, 1860, d. unm. May 24, 1913.
3. Warren E., b. Oct. 18, 1862, d. unm. Mar. 13, 1913.
Levi Bartlett, b. Plymouth, Mass., 1772 and supposedly a rel¬
ative of Capt. Josiah and William, m. 1, Mary Tinkham; 2, Abigail
Gorham. He came to Rustfield in 1795 and engaged in blacksmith-
ing and run a “trip-hammer” by water power. He appears to have
superseded Benj. Witt in the business. His 1. wife d Sept 16, 1802.
He d. July 13, 1818. 2 wife d. Aug. 12, 1854, aged 97 yrs. 1 mo; ch.
1, Ichabod b. Jan. 19, 1797, m. 1, Eunice Woodman of N. G. b. Mar.
29, 1797, d. June 28, 1835. 2, Lorana Woodman, b N. G. May 11,
1805, d. July 17, 1874. He d. Jan. 6, 1870. He began his business
career as clerk in the store and P. O. of William Reed. Was promi¬
nent in town affairs, and was a member of the legislature. 7 ch. by
1 wife and 7 by 2.
IX Lucius Ichabod, b. Mar. 18, 1838, m. 1866, Sarah Shackley.
He was a Civ. War Sol., served a term as P. M. ; he d. May
22, 1914. His wife d. Apr. 28, 1912. 2 ch.
1. Capt. Frank T., b. Nov. 14, 1868; m. Linnie R. Swan. He d.
at Chickamauga, Ga., in the Spanish War, July 3, 1898. Widow
pensioned. 2 ch. :
Carroll Arthur, b July 8, 1894.
Frances T., b Jan. 22, 1899; m. Lt. Harry Twitchell; 2 ch.,
Harold Francis, b. Jan. 15, 1922; Stanley Robert, b. 1923.
2. Charles S., b. March 10, 1872; m. Bertha (Clay) Minard; she
HISTORY OF NORWAY
351
d. 1904; 2 ch. d. in infancy; m. 2, Grace L. Smith; 1 ch., Grace, b.
1913. He d. - 1913.
X. Susan Emma, b. Oct. 13, 1839; m. David Gurney.
XI. Ellen Maria, b. May 4, 1841; m. Jed. Woodbury.
XII. Marcus Channing, b. Apr. 6, 1843; mort. wd. at Antietam,
Sept. 17, 1862; buried in the Nat. Cem. at Sharpsburg, Md.
XIII. Kenneth Lincoln, b. Dec. 19, 1844; mort. wd. at Cedar Mt„
\ a., Aug. 9, 1862; d. Aug. 20, ’62; buried in Nat. Cem. at
Culpepper C. H., Va.
XIV. Marion Smith, b. Oct. 13, 1846; m. and settled in Mass.
Hon. Jonathan Bartlett, the leading citizen of Stoneham in
his day, patron of the little village of East Stoneham, member of the
legislature and county commissioner, was born in Newry, Jan. 27,
1838. He m., 1867, Fannie, daughter of Capt. John Ball of Portland.
He was a descendant of Joseph Bartlett 1, of Newton, Mass., Eben-
ezer 3, son of Joseph; m. 1, Ann Clark; 2, Anna Hall. Enoch 4,
the 5th child by 1st w. b. Sept. 27, 1742; m. Elizabeth Segar,
a sister of Nathaniel Segar, the noted Indian scout and Rev.
Sol. He also was in that war and served, it is said, as a teamster.
Enoch Bartlett was one of the early settlers in Bethel but later re¬
moved to Newry. He lived to be very old. His 2d w. lived to be
102 years old and died at her grandson’s. Jonathan, one of her
large family of children, lived in Newry as farmer and lumberman
for forty years and removed to Stoneham. He was prominent in the
affairs of the community in which he lived, and early espoused the
anti-slavery cause and took a leading part in the conventions of
that period. He m. 1, Annie Barker of Newry; 2, Triphenia Horr of
Waterford. He d. Sept. 10, 1866. Jonathan Jr. was one of two
children by the 2d marriage. On attaining his majority he engaged
in farming and lumbering, and later in the manufacture of all kinds
of dressed lumber, shingles and spools. He d. Jan. 15, 1916. 4 ch. :
I. Dr. Herman L., b. Oct. 17, 1867; m. Edith M. Stearns. He is
a practising physician in Norway. 4 ch. :
Dr. Donald Stearns, b Fryeburg, Dec. 2, 1893; m. Aug., 1919,
Edna Haynes of Methuen, Mass. They have one child, Barbara, b.
July 31, 1920. He is a dentist in the U. S. Public Health Service,
stationed at Perryville, Md. Served in the World War.
Albert Russell, b Norway, June 5, 1898; was a soldier in the
World War.
Arthur Charles, b. May 22, 1901. Graduate of Bowdoin Coll.
Alice Marian, b. July 27, 1904.
II. Charles L., b. Nov. 13, 1868; m. Elizabeth Stearns. Lumber
manufacturer. Merchant and P. M. for many years at
East Stoneham. Res. (1922) Norway, 2 ch:
Frances Ellen, b. Apr. 15, 1894. Died in Red Cross Hospital
Service in France, Oct. 16, 1918.
Elizabeth, b June 5, 1903.
III. Fred H., b. Sept. 25, 1870. Supervisor of Schools, Selectman,
and member of the legislature.
IV. Jonathan Melvin, b. Jan. 29, 1872. Sheriff of Oxford County.
352
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Beal.
William Beal and Elizabeth Benson were married in Kittery, Dec.
6, 1719. Two other Beals were married there a short time after.
William Beal, b. York, Me., 1770 was probably a descendant of
one of Capt. Mason’s colony which came from England and settled
on the Piscataqua River in 1623. He m. Jerusha Fluent and came
to Norway shortly before the incorporation of the town. He took
charge of the sawmill which he conducted for many years. He d.
Oct. 23, 1850, “at 81.” His wid. d. May 29, 1865, aged 90. 7 ch.:
I. Ezra Fluent, b. N. June 17, 1797; m., Mar. 1820, Mary A. Ben¬
nett, b. Oct. 5, 1795. One of the principal citizens of Nor¬
way in his day. He d. Dec. 19, 1871. His wid. d. Jan. 9,
1874. 5 ch.:
1 Elizabeth Bennett, b. Dec. 31, 1820; d Feb 24, 1883.
2 Wm. Fluent, b July 15, 1823; d Oct 14, 1824.
3 George Lafayette, b May 21, 1825; m. Belinda Thompson.
He d. Dec. 11, 1896; she d. Feb. 25, 1898. 2 ch.: Elizabeth B., b. Dec.
7, 1851 (unm.) ; Agnes Jeanette, b. Nov. 13, 1859 (unm.).
4 Mary Ann, b Oct 17, 1828; m. Edwin W. Howe; she d.
Sept. 22, 1904.
II. John, b. 1799; m. Almira Coy of Minot, b. 1799. They both d.
after 1852. 4 ch. :
1 John D., b Dec 11, 1824; m Ellen Pottle.
2 Henrietta Mary, b Jan. 29, 1827.
3 Jerusha A. F., b Sept 19, 1829.
4 Jerome Thomas Pollard, b Aug 17, 1833.
III. Polly M., b. 1801; d. 1865, unm.
IV. Wm. Jr., b. Nov. 19, 1803; m. Susan, dau. of Nath’l Millett.
She d. May 28, 1897. 6 ch. :
1 Martha Jane, b Aug 19, 1829; m Sullivan Gilkey; d. Oct.
16, 1900.
2 Thos. Francis, b Aug 23, 1831; m Eliza J. Hill.
3 Elizabeth Caroline, b Sept 8, 1833; m. - Gordon of
Waltham, Mass.
4 William Henry, b July 24, 1836; d Aug. 18, 1839.
5 Henry Orlando, b Mar 12, 1840.
6 Harriet Mary, b Aug 4, 1843; m Capt. Uriah Briggs.
V. Maria, b. Oct. 18, 1808; m. Hiram Thayer of Oxford; settled
in Portland.
VI. Rufus Fluent, b. abt. 1811; m. 1, Adaline Smith; 2, Lucy Tufts.
VII. Samuel Treat, b. abt. 1814; m. Clarissa Pike; settled at
Mechanic Falls; 4 ch. :
1 Francis A., b Apr 25, 1831; m Louisa Edwards.
2 Sarah, b July 1, 1835; m Horace Pratt.
3 James M., b Aug 27, 1837; m Sarah Welch.
4 Ezra Fluent, b Feb 9, 1841; m Jane Dean; d Nov 22, 1883.
Daniel Webster Beal, born Portland, Me., May 11, 1834;
died in Bangor, Feb. 18, 1899. Married Helen A. Palmer, Nov. 30,
1856. D. Webster Beal attended the Norway Liberal Institute for
several years, afterwards conducting his father’s farm (which ex-
HISTORY OF NORWAY
353
tended from the homestead — now the Beal’s Inn — down Cottage
street to the Paris line) ; giving this up after several years, he en¬
tered into partnership with Edwin W. Howe in the grocery and dry
goods business, the firm being Howe & Beal. Later he went into
the merchant tailoring and ready-made clothing business, the latter
part of which he conducted many years. The family afterwards
moved to Lewiston, and later to Bangor. Helen A. Palmer, the wife
of D. Webster Beal, was born in Waterville, July 28, 1838, the young¬
est child of Alden Palmer, a mill-wright by trade, who came to Nor¬
way to operate the mill at the head of the village, owned by Ezra F.
Beal and others, Helen being then sixteen years old. She died in
Bangor, April 3, 1917.
Children of D. Webster and Helen A. Beal: Mary E., born May
15, 1858; Annie Palmer, b. April 4, 1860. Mary learned the printer’s
trade in the office of the Norway Advertiser, after graduating from
the Norway Liberal Institute; in 1881, went to the Lewiston Journal
office as compositor; in 1887-8 studied shorthand and typewriting in
Boston, and was teacher of these branches in the Bangor Business
College from October, 1891, to July, 1903; then became owner of a
school under her own name; first, The Beal School of Shorthand and
afterwards The Beal Business College. She sold the latter July 6,
1922, making nearly thirty-one years of continuous teaching in Ban¬
gor. She is now conducting an office for public stenography in
Bangor.
Annie Palmer, who lives in Bangor with her youngest son, mar¬
ried Theodore L. Webb, Nov. 23, 1881. He was born in Bridgton,
Dec. 1, 1858; died in Bangor, Feb. 10, 1908. He was in the ready¬
made clothing business in Norway for a few years, the firm being
Webb & Wakefield — they being the originators of the “Blue Store.”
He afterwards traveled in Aroostook county for a wholesale beef con¬
cern, making his home in Bangor. ,
Their children: Maurice Beal, b. Lewiston, Aug. 18, 1884; Harold
Savage, b. Norway, June 30, 1891. Maurice married Nellie Wood,
in Bangor, June 30, 1908; she died June 11, 1911; he married again,
in Salem, Mass., Oct. 21, 1914, Mrs. Laura McQuarrie, a trained
nurse; employed by the N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co.; no children. Harold
Savage married, in Everett, Mass., Annie May Cushman, of Milo,
Maine, June 29, 1912. Their children: Elizabeth Cushman, b. Ban¬
gor, Oct. 16, 1914; Theodore Albert, b. Bangor, Aug. 23, 1918; Geor¬
gia Beal, b. Belfast, June 2, 1921. They reside in Bangor. Mr.
Webb has been employed in a Bangor bank and with a prominent
accounting firm in Boston, but for the larger part of his life has
taught commercial branches in private and public schools; is now
teaching these branches in the Ellsworth High School.
Bennett.
Capt. Anthony Bennett, who came from New Gloucester to
Rustfield in 1791, and settled on the east side of the great pond, was
the son of Nathaniel and Hannah (Babson) Bennett, of Gloucester,
later of New Gloucester, where Anthony was born Dec. 11, 1770. His
wife was Mary Blake, b. G., May 10, 1771. His father was a ser-
354
HISTORY OF NORWAY
geant in the Rev. War, from New Gloucester. Anthony was a car¬
penter, builder and millwright. He was prominent in the militia
and held a commission as Captain of the Norway Company at the
time of his death, Oct. 28, 1807. He had also served on the board of
selectmen. His death was the result of an injury received while at
work on a mill at Cragie’s Mills, now Oxford villge, by the fall of a
staging, when he was thrown upon his broadaxe, cutting his thigh in
a horrible manner. His widow survived him over 40 years, dying
July 21, 1849. 8 ch.
I. Isaac, b. N. G., June 24, 1792; m., 1819, Sally Martin, b. Apr.
26, 1794; d. Mar. 30, 1869. He d. Oct. 19, 1868; bur. in Pine
Grove. 4 ch. :
1. Stidman, b. Dec. 13, 1820; m. Sophia Stevens of Woburn,
Mass. He was a soldier in the Civil War from Mass., and d. in the
service, Aug. 5, 1863; buried in Pine Grove. His wid. d. May 10, 1867.
3. Dr. Servilla, b. Sept. 27, 1829; m. Susan H. Willis of Hebron.
He practiced medicine in New Portland for many years. Returned
to Norway late in life and d. here Sept. 19, 1906, bur. in Pine Grove.
Wid. removed to Mass, to live with her son Willis — an only child,
who had m. and was employed on a railroad; no issue. She d. Feb.
27, 1912, “aged 85.”
4. Cordelia, b. Dec. 27, 1831; m. John P. Adams, set. in Mass.
II. Betsey, b. Rustfield, Oct. 13, 1793; m. Lewis Crockett; set. in
Andover; d. at Bryant Pond, July 14, 1868.
III. Mary Ann, b. Oct. 5, 1795; m. Ezra F. Beal; d. Jan. 1875.
IV. Deborah, b May 30, 1797; d. July 24, 1874; m. Lee Mixer,
b. 1808.
V. Anthony Jr., b. July 7, 1801; m. Jane Millett, b. Mar. 3, 1810.
He d. Aug. 13, 1888, at his only child’s home, Mrs. Wm. A.
Field, in Bath. His w. had d. before Jan. 30, 1856.
VI. Joseyh, b. Oct. 16, 1803; m. Lydia B. Wolcott; d. in Cal.
Nov. 8, 1852.
VII. James, b. Aug. 13, 1805; m. Eleanor E. Bolster. They lived
on the old homestead where he d. June 18, 1889; she d. Apr.
14, 1895, aged 75; 2 ch. : George I., b. Feb. 15, 1860; d.
young; Jennie E., b. Jan. 23, 1849; m. Charles H. Sargent;
she d. Sept. 15, 1865.
VIII. Esther, b July 29, 1808; m. Lee Mixer; d. Oct 28, 1842.
Nathaniel, Jr., a twin brother of Anthony, m. Elizabeth Blake,
a sister of Anthony’s wife. His farm joined Anthony’s on the
north — the Sol. I. Millett place. No children. He d. Mar. 15, 1855
Wid. d. May 15, 1856, “aged 87.”
James C. Bennett, b. Greenwood, Nov. 20, 1820; m. Polly Patch
Upton, b. Sept. 13, 1815. He conducted a meat and provision store
for many years in Norway. He d. Dec. 26, 1891; wid. d. Feb. 21,
1901. 6 ch.:
I. Fitzroy, b. Nov. 25, 1845; m. Flora E. Chapman; set. in Cum¬
berland county; d. Jan. 28, 1904.
II. Albert T., b. Oct. 10, 1847; m. Annie M. Moore of Lovell. He
d. Jan. 24, 1921. 2 ch.: Guy G., b. Aug. 25, 1878; m. Ave-
lena Harriman; she d. May 19, 1906 and he remarried; 1 ch.,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
355
Uldana, b. Dec. 3, 1903. Ray, b. Oct. 28, 1881; m. Grace B.
Pratt; 2 ch. : John Albert, b. Sept. 16, 1914, and Leroy For¬
rest, b. Sept. 29, 1922.
III. Llewellyn E., b. Nov. 3, 1849; m. Annie H. Crockett.
IV. Anna M., b. Jan. 2, 1852; d. unm., Aug. 22, 1913.
V. Abbie M., b. May 27, 1854; m. Frank H. Lovering, set. in Mass.
VI. Ella A., b. May 16, 1856; m. Frank H. Noyes; she d. June 12,
1912.
Milan Bennett, son of Abraham and Bethiah (Mason) Bennett
of Gilead, a soldier in the Civil War, came here fom Gilead and set¬
tled on the Joseph Stevens place. He died May 13, 1892; wid. d.
July 9, 1912. Ch. :
1. Edith L., b. Apr. 26, 1866; m. Charles F. Boober, b. Matta-
contis, July 5, 1861.
2. Etta Jane, ib. 1869; d. in infancy.
Geo. Oscar Bennett, son of William, b. Aug. 19, 1850; m. Alber-
tine G. Waterhouse, b. Dec. 13, 1856; she d. Nov. 30, 1922. He lives
on a farm in the vicinity of the village. Shoemaker, and thrifty
farmer. 2 ch., Maudie and Gertie, both died in infancy.
William, Daniel P. and James C. were sons of Francis Bennett,
a grandson of Nathaniel Bennett, senior, of New Gloucester, the
Rev. Sol.
Eugene L. Bennett, son of David F. and Sarah (Fifield) Ben¬
nett of Riley PL, b. there Dec. 17, 1846, m. 1870, Mary J. Richardson,
b. Aug. 19, 1848. They set. on a farm near Noble’s Corner, where
he d. Aug. 5, 1889. After his death wid. removed to the village.
3 ch. :
I. Gertie M., b. July 6, 1872;; m. 1890, Llewellyn H. Cushman.
II. Harry E., b. Dec. 16, 1880; d. Oct. 21, 1881.
III. Grace L., b. Dec. 16, 1880; d. Apr. 8, 1918.
George H. Bennett, a carriage painter, son of Daniel P. and
Narcissa (Cushman) Bennett of Greenwood, b. there Dec. 19, 1853;
m. Agnes C. Russell; she d. Oct. 24, 1916; m. 2, 1918, Lillian Lucas.
3 ch. :
1 Maud, b Jan. 28, 1884, d. in infancy.
2 Winifred R., b Jan. 20, 1885; m Fred M. Davis, a painter;
4 ch. : Evelyn Winona, b. Aug. 28, 1909; Merle Frederick, b. Feb. 27,
1913; Amy W., b. Nov. 30, 1914; Norton Lee, b. July 1, 1917.
3 Hazel A., b Feb. 1, 1892; m. Horace L. Cleveland; 3 ch. :
Sherwood, George and Edwina, who d. in infancy.
Bickford.
Maj. Wm. Kendall Bickford, son of William Bickford, b. at
Dresden, Nov. 8, 1836; m. Emma J., dau. of Seth and Octavia (Love-
joy) Henderson, b. Dec. 2, 1844. He went into the War of the Re¬
bellion from Thomaston as Ord. Sergt. of Co. I, 20th Me., and
participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Antietam, Little Round
Top at Gettysburg, Spottsylvania, Five Forks, Weldon R. R., and
other engagements, being seriously wounded at Spottsylvania. He
was promoted to Capt. of Co. E, and brevet Major for gallantry
356
HISTORY OF NORWAY
under fire. For many years after the war, he was landlord of hotels
in Thomaston, Norway and Rumford Falls, dying at the latter place
Sept. 28, 1900. 9 ch.
I. Wm. Seth, b. Mar. 26, 1866; m. Della Louise Stevens; ch. re¬
corded on Norway records: son b. Feb. 19, 1910; dau.
(Arline), b. Nov. 5, 1919.
II. Ella Libby, b. Jan. 27, 1863; d. young.
III. Inez Maude, b. Dec. 13, 1871; d. young.
IV. Robert Ford, b. June 14, 1873; m. 1, Jan. 1906, Alma Edith
Holt of Augusta; d. Aug. 8, 1915; 2, Jan. 1920, Helen R.,
dau. of Joseph B. Cole of Paris. He is an Episcopalian,
local food adm’r in World War, engineer on construction of
Oxford Paper Mills, 1898-1900, connected with Canadian
Pacific R. R. construction dept.; ret’d to N. in 1910; one of
pioneer gem cutters of Maine; town treasurer 1921 — lapidary
and jeweler. 2 ch. — one by each wife:
Sylvia Faye, b Aug. 3, 1907.
Robert Archibald, b. May 1, 1921.
V. Ross Lewis, b. Aug. 21, 1875; m. Callie C. Barron.
VI. Octavia Henderson, b. Aug. 12, 1877; m. Rev. Marcus H. Car-
roll, an Episcopalian clergyman; res. Hanover, Mass.
VII. May Maude, b. Sept. 30, 1879; grad. Farmington Normal
School, teacher; res. Boston, Mass.
VIII. Grace, b Feb. 25, 1883, unm. — res. Bridgewater, Mass.
IX. Henry Knox, b. Apr. 27, 1889; m. June, 1918, Winifred
McKeen of Stoneham.
Henry A. Bickford, a Civil War sol., son of George W. and Mary
B. (Stuart) Bickford, and grandson of Stephen and Sarah (Thomas)
Bickford of Parsonsfield, b. May 8, 1847; m. Josephine L. Allen of
Stoneham, b. Dec. 19, 1852. 4 ch. :
1. Lilia F., b. Parsonsfield, Mar. 31, 1871; m. Wm. E. Rice; res.
Norway.
2. Eva May, b. Stoneham, Jan. 2, 1873, m. Fred W. Woodbury of
Cambridge, Mass.; she d Dec. 29, 1914; 2 ch., Fred W. and Gordon.
3. Curtis D., b. Stoneham, Feb. 2, 1875; m. Grace Adams of
Stoneham ; no ch.
4. Faye Stanley, b. Norway, Nov. 1, 1884; m. Walter A. Lord of
Waterford; she d. Nov. 25, 1914; 7 ch.: Myron, Gwendolyn, Josephine
L., Kathleen, Walter E., Stanley and Faye Bickford.
Bicknell.
The Bicknells of America are of an ancient English race, whose
principal seat about 1300 was at the manor of Bykenhulle, near
Taunton in the County of Somerset, from which the name is derived.
It is from two Saxon words, byan, beacon and hulle, hill, meaning a
beacon hill.
Among the twenty-one families of Rev. Joseph Hull’s colony which
came to Massachusetts in May, 1635, and were granted the privilege
to locate at Wessagussett — changed to Weymouth in September of
that year from the place in England from which the colony of 106
HISTORY OF NORWAY
357
persons had sailed the 20th of March before. One of these families
was that of Zachary Bicknell, aged 45, his wife Agnes (Lovell) aged
37, and John their son, aged 11. They had a servant, John Kitchin,
aged 23. It is supposed that the descendants of this John Kitchin
are living today in several of the southern states, particularly in
North Carolina, where one has been Governor of the State and an¬
other a Member of Congress.
Zachary was given 20 acres of land in what is now North Wey¬
mouth village, where his house was built in the autumn of that
year (1635).
Zachary Bicknell died the next year and his widow in 1648, aged
45, at Braintree. She had married Richard Rockett. By him she
had one son, John, b. 1647.
In the North Weymouth cemetery is a monument on which is
this inscription : “Zachary Bicknell and his wife, Agnes, their son
John and servant, John Kitchin, left Weymouth, England, in Rev.
Joseph Hull’s company, settling near this spot, July, 1635. Founders
of the family in America.”
John 2 Bicknell became a prominent and leading citizen of
Weymouth. He served on the board of selectmen for many years,
and was a Deputy to the General Court in 1678. He was a carpen¬
ter by occupation, and married about 1652, Mary, dau. of Abraham
and Bridget (Best) Shaw. She was b. June 18, 1626, and d. March
25, 1658. They had three children, of whom the the oldest was John,
b. 1654. She d. and he m., Jan. 1659, Mary, dau. of Richard and
Ruth Porter. They had nine children. He d. in 1678, aged 54.
John 3 Bicknell, b. 1654, m. Sarah - . They had seven
children of whom the oldest was John, b. Nov. 24, 1688. The father
was a farmer and cooper and owned before he died in 1737, aged 83,
land on the wharf in Boston harbor. His wife d. in 1730.
John 4 m. July, 1714, Hannah Humphrey, dau. of Nathaniel
and Elizabeth Humphrey, b. July, 1692. They removed to Abington,
where he died, April 2, 1779, aged 90. She d. after Feb. 6, 1764.
They had three children of whom the oldest was John 5, b. Aug.
30, 1715. He m. in 1739, Experience, dau. of John and Susan Ran¬
dall, b. Weymouth, Jan. 24, 1719. He became the possessor of the
old family Bible which was brought from England in 1635 by the
immigrant ancestor, Zachary Bicknell, and handed down from father
to son. It is now in existence at West Paris, having been in the
posseession of a John Bicknell from the death of Zachary.
He died May 23, 1790. His widow survived him. They had four
children. The second child was John 6, b. Abington, May 14, 1744.
Up to this time in the line of descent, the first child had been a son
and named John. The first child in this family was a dau. named
Hannah, b. in 1740. John 6, m. 1, in 1767, Prudence White of
Abington. She d. three years after and he m. 2, in 1771, Rebecca
Nash of the same town. She d. in 1802 and he m. 3, in 1804 in
Hebron, Susanna Sturtevant. This John Bicknell was a sol. of
the Rev. He lived in Bridgewater, where three of his five chil¬
dren were born. He served several enlistments, one being in
Capt. David Packard’s Co. of Col. Cary’s Regt. to Rhode Island in
358
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1780. He was Sec. Lieut, in same Company of Col. Mitchell’s Regt.,
1778. He was a corporal and Minute Man in Capt. Josiah Hayden’s
Co., Col. Bailey’s Regt. that marched on the Alarm of April 19,
1775 (attack on Lexington and Concord). After the war he settled
in Hebron where two of his children were born. He d. there Nov.
25, 1825, aged 81. Ch. all by 2nd wife:
I. John 7, b. May 3, 1772; m. Shua Small of Deering.
II. Noah, b. - 1773; m. Rebecca Carman.
III. Simeon, b. - 1775; m. Rebekah Irish.
IV. David, b. Apr. 22, 1781; m. Abigail Irish.
V. Deborah, b. - 1783; d. Oct. 7, 1785.
VI. Deborah, b. - 1785; m. George Bryant; set. in Ohio.
John 7, had 11 ch., 6 of the younger ones being born in Buck-
field. John 8, the 2d child b. Hebron, April 6, 1796; m. Marcena
Churchill, dau. of the Rev. Sol., Jabez, b. June 22, 1800. They
had four children; John 9, the oldest ch., b. Apr. 15, 1821, m.
Eveline B. Cushman of Buckfield. They had four ch. the 3d being
John 10, b. June 14, 1868. He has the old Bicknell Bible.
The 6th ch. of John 7, was James 8, b. Hebron, May 9, 1802.
He m., 1824, Judith Chase Bowker, b. B., May 18, 1802. They had
10 ch. of whom James Francis 9, b. May 7, 1828, was the 2d ch.
He m. 1852, Rebecca Spaulding Fletcher, b. Sept. 16, 1833. They
had two children: Everett F., b. Apr. 4, 1854; m., 1878, Lizzie A.
Bennett.
Grace B., b. Aug. 10, 1880; m. Prof. Eisenwinter.
Isabel, b. June 7, 1859; d. Jan. 7, 1884. He d. Jan. 8, 1920.
Widow removed to Conn.
Noah 7 Bicknell, son of John 6, b. 1773; m. 1794, Rebecca
Carman. They had 10 children:
I Cyrus, b. May 28, 1796; m. Rebecca Bicknell, a cousin, dau.
of David. They lived near the Sodom schoolhouse, Hebron.
They had 6 ch., the most prominent being Columbus, b. Mar.
11, 1821. He was a land surveyor, clerk in store, etc.
II. Hannah, b. Jan. 4, 1798; d. Sept. 28, 1829.
III. Otis, b. Oct. 4, 1799; m. Martha Dudley
IV. Azor, b. Sept. 19, 1801; d. Aug. 10, 1816.
V. Hosea, b. May 8, 1803; m. Zilpah Bicknell, dau. of David.
VI. Sally, b. Feb. 24, 1805; d. Mar. 16, 1839.
VII. Luke, b. Dec. 17, 1806; m. Orris Decoster.
VIII. Timothy P., b. Feb. 13, 1809; d. unm.
IX. Tristram G., b. June 24, 1811; m. Polly Jordan; d. Feb. 15,
1890.
X. Mary D., b. Oct. 23, 1813; d. unm.
Luke 8, son of Noah 7, b. Dec. 17, 1806; m. 1830, Orris De¬
coster. He d. Dec. 13, 1837. His widow survived him many years.
They had four children:
HISTORY OF NORWAY
359
I. Noah, b. May 18, 1831; a school teacher of note.
II. Eliza, b. Feb. 16, 1832; m Russell S. Whitman.
III. Albinus, b. - 1834; m. Mary De Grenier.
IV. Justin, b. - 1836; d. unm.
Albinus m. Mary DeGrenier. He d. Apr. 1908. She d. Dec.,
1905. 2 ch. 1, William A., b April 7, 1868; m. Sarah E., dau. of
Adelbert D. and Elmira (Doughty) Bicknell, b. Aug. 14, 1874. Ch.:
Ronello C., b. 189 - ; m. 1914, Mary F. Wentworth of Auburn;
ch., Gwendolyn, b. July 9, 1914; Thelma E., b. Jan. 29, 1917; d. Feb.
17, 1922; Hazel Evelyn, b. July 7, 1893; Ula K., b. May 24, 1895; m.
Dec. 1921, John W. Wood; Zilpha May, b. Sept. 16, 1906.
2, Benj. Butler, b. Sept. 4, 1880. Part owner for a period of
the Rumford Falls Times. For several years past in automobile
business in Norway.
Bird.
John Bird, son of Samuel and Mary (Carr) Bird of English
birth, b. in Detroit, Mich., Oct. 2, 1774, came to Paris where he
m. Mary Churchill — later removed to Norway, into the section where
the family of Eugene D. Millett lives. One of the farms is called
the Bird farm to this day. He d. Apr. 23, 1863, aged 88. His wife
d. July 11, 1852, aged 76. Of their 10 ch., Polly, b. Nov. 20, 1796,
m. Wm. Churchill; Nancy, b. Sept. 11, 1798, m. Daniel Cummings;
John Jr., b. Sept. 6, 1807, m. 1, Ann Young, who d. Mar. 3, 1844; 2,
Emma, dau. of Rev. Daniel Mason of Bethel. He d. Oct. 12, 1869;
wid. d. Sept. 30, 1890. Ch. :
2. John M., b. Dec. 15, 1836; m. Eliza J. Jackson.
4. Angerone A., b. Feb. 18, 1844; m. Cyrus H. Witt; set. in
Worcester, Mass.
5. Amos A., b. Mar. 20, 1846; m. Anna J. Edgerly.
6. James E., b. Sept. 4, 1850; m. Martha H. Gould of Bridgton.
7. Martha A., b. May 25, 1854; m. Chas. H. Barnard of Bridgton.
Blake.
Benjamin Blake was living at Wolfboro, N. H., during the Revo¬
lution. He had a family of at least two sons, David and Jonathan,
and three daughters, Elizabeth, Mary, and Hannah. The latter m.
James Lary, who moved to Gilead, and lived to be 99 years old.
Jonathan remained in Wolfboro. David m. Hannah Messer and set-
led in Gilead. His wife dying, he m. 2d, Louisa Evans. By first
wife he had 7 children — first six in Wolfboro, the 7th in Gilead. By
2d w. he had 7 children, all born in Bethel where he had removed
about 1803.
Micah, the 3d son and child, b. at Wolfboro, m. 1816, his oldest
brother Benjamin’s widow, Nancy Ripley of Rumford, b. in Methuen.
She had two children by her first husband and eight by her 2d.
Their oldest child was Capt. Jonathan Blake, b. Bethel, June 11,
1817; m. June 17, 1841, Elizabeth S. Crockett of Norway, b. Aug.
17, 1821. They settled in Norway where both lived to their deaths —
360
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CAPT. JONATHAN BLAKE ELIZABETH S. BLAKE
past 80 years of age, higly respected by all who ever knew them.
He d. Aug. 23, 1902. She d. May 7, 1908. He had served as a
Captain in the Norway Company of the 10th Me. in the War of the
Rebellion. 4 children:
I. Mary Elizabeth, b. Jan. 29, 1844; m. Dr. Albert Thompson.
II. Martha Crockett, b. Aug. 21, 1846; m. Col. Wm. W. Whitmansh.
III. Charles Gilman, b. March 18, 1854; m. M. Addie Denison.
IV. George F., b Feb. 7, 1861; died Oct. 29, 1864.
Charles G. Blake, son of Capt. Jonathan, b. March 18, 1854; m.
Oct. 16, 1878, M. Addie Denison. For many years they lived in West
Virginia where he served as mayor of the city of Davis, but returned
to Norway a few years ago, where he is carrying on the business
of a lumber dealer. Child: George O., b. Sept. 28, 1879; d. Nov.
1893, from accidental discharge of a gun.
Bolster
Isaac Bolster with his wife Abigail was in Uxbridge, Mass.,
in 1732. She d. and he m. 2, Hepsibah - . He d. Apr. 28, 1753,
and 2 wife d. July 20, 1742.
Lt. Isaac Jr., b. April 28, 1737, m. Mary Dwinal of Sutton. He
was a Rev. Sol. as was also his brother William. Lt. Isaac was one
of the Minute Men who was in the engagements of Lexington and
Concord, Apr. 19, 1775. After the war he settled in Hebron and
afterwards removed to Paris, to a farm s. e. of So. Paris Village,
where he died April 27, 1825. His wife d. Aug. 4, 1814. Their son,
Capt. Isaac Bolster, b. Sutton, May 12, 1769, m. Hannah Cushman,
dau. of Gideon of Hebron, b. Apr. 16, 1777. He d. July 8, 1835.
10 ch. :
I. Alvan, b. Dec. 7, 1795, m. Cynthia Wheeler; set. in Rumford.
II. Isaac, b. Feb. 28, 1797; m. Polly Cusihman; set. in Harrison;
rem. to Norway.
III. Capt. Gideon, b. Apr. 29, 1799; m. Charlotte Hall.
IV. Otis C., b. Sept. 25, 1801; m. 1, Dolly Keyes of Rumford; 2,
Marcia C., dau. of Peter C. Virgin. The 2d wife was the
HISTORY OF NORWAY
361
mother of N. Dayton Bolster, b. May 22, 1850, who m. Ada
M. Morton, b. May 1, 1858.
V. William, b. June 23, 1804; m. Hannah Turner; set. in Harri¬
son.
VI. Hannah, b. June 23, 1807; m. Dr. Thomas Gore of Minot.
VII. Lyman, b. Mar. 29, 1809; m. Betsey Knight.
VIII. Louisa, b. Apr. 28, 1812; m. Augustus King.
IX. Levi, b. Nov. 10, 1819; m. Marcia Warren; set. in Conn.
X Ruth, b. Jan. 1, 1823; m. Alex. Cushman; set. in Buckfield.
Isaac Bolster 4, built the first store at Bolsters Mills, Harri¬
son, and gave his name to the place. Late in life he removed to
Norway to live with his son, J. Augustus, and d. here Mar. 9, 1863.
Wid. d. Oct. 2, 1868, aged 71 years 3 mos. 6 ch. :
I. Eleanor, b. Apr. 23, 1820; m. James Bennett.
II. John A., b. June 28, 1822; m. 1, Almena Adams; 2, Abbie H.
Lord.
III. Cynthia J., b. Mar. 15, 1825; m. Grosvenor Crockett.
IV. Oliver F., b. Sept. 6, 1828; d. May 6, 1896.
V. Mary D., b. July 29, 1832; m. - Severance; set. in
Minot.
VI. Georgia, b. Oct. 12, 1835; m. Thomas Plummer of Waterford.
JOHN A. BOLSTER
John Augustus, b. at Bolster’s Mills, came to Norway with his
father’s family in 1841. He m. 1852, Almena Adams of Andover — d.
Mar. 11, 1880; m. 2, Abbie H. Lord. He was a man of excellent
judgment, served on the board of selectmen and represented his town
and district in the legislature. He was a faithful friend and a good
citizen. For many years he was a cattle drover for the Brighton,
Mass, market with Colman F. Lord and Geo. F. Andrews. He d.
June 3, 1902; wife d. Aug. 25, 1898. 3 ch. :
I. Frank Denison, b. Apr. 9, 1858; d. July 14, 1878.
II. Fred Augustus, b. Mar. 1, 1856; m. 1, Hattie Penley; 2,
Jennie E. Mason, res. Bolster’s Mills. No ch.
III. James Freeland, b Feb. 8, 1860; m. Maud M. Fuller — no ch.
362
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Bradbury
The Bradburys of America trace their ancestry to Robert of
Ollerset, Derbyshire, England, b. about 1400. He married a daughter
of Robert Davenport. William, their son, married Margaret Rock-
hill. They settled in Hartford. Their son, Robert, married Anne
Wyant. His brother, Sir Thomas was Lord Mayor of London in
1509. A sister married John Josselyn. Robert, a judge of the
assizes, Isle of Ely — d. in 1489 and was buried in the Church of
Gray Friars, London. William, the only son, born 1480, succeeded to
the estate of his uncle, Sir Thomas, who died without issue. He
married Joan Bendish. He was lord of the manor of Mancenden,
and Catmere Hall, Littlebury, in 1543. Died in 1546 and was buried
at Littlebury. His son, William, lord of Catmere Hall, married
Eleanor Fuller,— died in 1550. His son, William, born 1541, married
Ann Eden. She died in 1612, he in 1622. Wymond, their son, bap.
1574, married Elizabeth Whitgrift, and had a house in London
in 1628. Capt. Thomas 1, the immigrant ancestor, the second
son, came to New England before 1634. (He had been bap. at
Wicken in 1611). That year he was a proprietor and settler in Sal¬
isbury, Mass. He was admitted to citizenship in 1640 and was one
of the foremost inen there, for more than fifty years. He was an
agent of Sir Ferdinando Gorges for sale of lands in Maine. He
married in 1636, Mary Perkins of Ipswich. He was appointed “clerk
of the writs” in S. in 1641. For six years he was a Deputy in
the General Court at Boston. In 1692 his wife was accused of
witchcraft, and after a trial, which is one of the famous cases of
that day, escaped the gallows. Her aged husband’s testimony at
the trial is pathetic. It bears evidence of her moral excellence and
worth. They had been married, he said, for 55 years, and during
that time she had been wonderfully laborious, diligent and industrious
in bringing up their 11 children and 4 grandchildren. She “was both
prudent and provident, and of a cheerful spirit and charitable, and
is now very aged and weak, and grieves under her afflictions.” Let
her descendants (the writer’s children are of the number) be thank¬
ful that the narrow-contracted, half crazy and fanatical officials of
that day in the old Commonwealth allowed this blameless woman and
devoted wife and mother to end her last days in peace and were
saved from committing the crime of taking her life. They had a
son, William 2, who married Rebecca (Wheelwright) Maverick.
Among their children was Moses 3, who came to North Yarmouth
and later settled in New Gloucester. He married Abigail Fogg.
They had a daughter Sarah, who married David Dinsmore. They
settled in Minot on Bradbury Hill. Her brother, Benjamin 3,
married Eleanor Fellows and settled on the hill in Minot, named
for him. Their son, Joseph 4, b. No. Yarmouth, May 10, 1768, m.
Tabitha Cotton, b. Sept. 5, 1765, came to Norway about 1808
and settled on the farm near Pike’s Hill which he purchased of
Joshua Smith. He was a federalist, national republican and whig
in politics and a Congregationalist in religion, and was deacon of the
church at Center Norway for many years. He d. April 4, 1836.
His wife d. Aug. 25, 1845, “aged 80” — 9 eh.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
363
I. Charles A., b. July 19, 1789; m. Mary S. True.
II. Sophia, b. Nov. 9, 1790; m. Capt. Amos Young of Greenwood.
III. Ruth, b. Aug. 29, 1792; m. Joseph Stevens, Jr.
IV. Eleanor, b. Apr. 21, 1795; m. Asa Packard of Greenwood.
V. Betsey, b. Apr. 11, 1797; d. June 23, 1798.
VI. Jacob, b. June 25, 1799; m. Sally K. Ripley of Paris.
VII. Dr. Nathan A., b. June 20, 1801; m. Eliza Millett; set. in
Sweden.
VIII. Moses, b. July 12, 1803; m. Hannah Knight; set. in Green¬
wood.
IX. Nathaniel M., b. Dec. 18, 1806; m. Julia A. Foster.
Jacob 5, son of Joseph 4, had the homestead on which he
lived and died. He was a noted school teacher. Taught 33 winters —
27 in succession. He d. Aug. 2, 1880. His wife d. Oct. 20, 1880.
12 ch.
I. Sabrina E., b. Dec. 15, 1822; m. Wm. P. Stevens; 2, James
P. Shedd.
II. Matilda A., b. Sept. 15, 1824; m. Wm. A. Marston.
III. Nathan Osgood, b Oct. 4, 1826; d. Dec. 25, 1828.
IV. Dr. Osgood Nathan, b. Oct. 28, 1828; m. Ellen R. Scribner.
V. Henry A. M., b. Aug. 20, 1830; m. Persis Ripley.
VI. Harriet N., b. July 12, 1832; m. Wm. K. Ripley.
VII. Sarah A., b. Oct. 28, 1834; m. 1, Alden Woodbury; 2, Enoch
N. Clement.
VIII. Euphemia J., b. Mar. 10, 1837; m. Wm. C. W. Cummings.
IX. J. Frank, b. June 10, 1839; m. Laura A. Merrow.
X. Nellie F., b. Aug. 20, 1841; m. Stephen Pottle.
XI. J. G. Birney, b Jan. 22, 1846; m. Harriet E. Towne.
XII. Ida E., b. Sept. 12, 1849; m. Stephen G. Hatch.
Dr. Osgood N. 6, b. Oct. 28, 1828; m. Ellen R. Scribner, b.
Springfield, July 10, 1832. He d. Jan. 22, 1899; she survived him
several years, and d. Mar. 11, 1913.
1. Dr. Bial Francisco 7, b. Springfield, Feb. 5, 1861; m. 1,
Mabel F. Jones, d. Feb. 5, 1897; 2, Ava Phinney; d. May 4, 1915;
3, Annie Hayes.
2. Guy S., b. Mar. 24, 1872; d. May 17, 1876.
J. Frank, b. June 10, 1839; m. Laura A. Merrow. He d. Oct. 14,
1901. She d. Apr. 5, 1900. 3 ch. :
1. Philip Kearney, b. Sept. 25, 1869; m. Katie M. Pike.
2. Blanche, b. June 21, 1872; m. Henry H. Burnham of Bridgton.
3. Louise C., b. Feb. 8, 1877; m. Walter P. Young.
Moses 5, son of Joseph 4; m. Hannah Knight; set. in Green¬
wood on Young Hill. She was b. April 18, 1807. They lived and
died in Greenwood. Two sons settled in Norway on the eastern
slope of Pike’s Hill.
Joseph Augustus, b. May 28, 1829; m. Sarah J. Mixer, b. Paris,
July 21, 1842. He d. Feb. 18, 1911. She d. Oct. 22, 1896. 5 ch.:
Algenora, b. July, 1863; m. Allen T. Crooker.
Elsie Flora, b. Feb. 11, 1865; d. Mar. 27, 1914.
Herbert, b. July 23, 1866; m. Lenora F. Annis.
364
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Ray, b. Dec. 24, 1871.
Inez May, b. June 12, 1878; m. 1, 1901, Ohas. E. Freeman;
2, Edward E. Parker.
Roscoe Emery, b. July 23, 1843; m. Clara H. Bonney. He d.
Dec. 12, 1911. No eh.
Brett.
The Bretts of Norway, Paris and Otisfield, are descended from a
very ancient race, dating back to the time of William the Conqueror,
several of whom were in his army that fought at Hastings, and
were rewarded with large tracts of land in different parts of
England.
Elder William, the immigrant ancestor, came from Kent and
first settled at Duxbury about 1639. He was born in 1618, and mar¬
ried Margaret Ford, a sister of Andrew Ford of Weymouth, whose
daughter Mary married Sergt. Abiah Whitman, son of Dea. John,
the English emigrant ancestor of the author of this history. The
family removed to Bridgewater where Elder William Brett became
the first citizen of the town and the leading member of the church
there. He often preached in the absence of the pastor. His parents
are supposed to have been John and Elizabeth (Andrews) Brett and
the grandson of William and Joanna (Hayward) Brett. He died
Dec. 17, 1681. He left three sons and four daughters, his widow sur¬
viving him several years.
Judge Elihu, the second son, m. Ann, daughter of George and
Mary (Robbins) Turner of Duxbury. He was b. about 1648 in
Bridgewater and died suddenly in his chair, Jan. 13, 1712. He had
been Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for a dozen years. Their
oldest child, Mary, b. 1679, m. John Willis. They were ancestors of
the author of this history.
Nathaniel, the youngest son of Elder William, b. in 1661, m.
Sarah Hayward. She was the daughter of John and Saiah
(Mitchell) Hayward, and granddaughter of Experience and Jane
(Cooke) Mitchell, who came in the Fortune.
Seth Brett, son of Nathaniel, b. Feb. 24, 1688, m. Sarah Alden,
great-granddaughter of John and Priscilla (Mullens) Alden.
Simeon Brett, son of Seth, b. Jan. 8, 1720, m. Mehitable Packard.
Their son, Rufus, b. Aug. 2, 1751, m. Susanna Cary. He was a
Rev. soldier and settled after the War for American Independence,
in Paris. His youngest child Seneca, b. Bridgewater, 1798, m. 1827,
Sarah P. French. He d. Oct. 5, 1872, aged nearly 80. She d. Feb.
24, 1892, aged 91. Both buried at Otisfield Gore. They had seven
ch. :
I Susanna, b. Aug. 31, 1828; d. May 15, 1830.
II Cyrus French, b.. Feb. 17, 1831; m. Cynthia d. June 6, 1873.
Ill Sarah Augusta, b. Dec. 28, 1837; m. Freeman Merrill.
IV Daniel Lane, ib. Jan. 22, 1838; m. Julia Ann Gorham.
V Elizabeth Jane, b. May 17, 1840; m. Albert F. Andrews.
VI Loren Thayer, b. Mar. 17, 1843; m. 1, Jennie M. Keen; 2,
Mrs. Marian Evans.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
365
Daniel L. Brett, b. Paris, m. 1859, Julia A. Gorham of Norway.
They settled in Otisfield and had three children. He d. Jan. 9,
1916. She d. Feb. 12, 1915. 3 ch.:
I Sarah Augusta, b. Mar. 11, 1861, m. Elmer D. Jillson.
II Charles Henry, b. Sept. 10, 1876; m. Mabel L. Dorman, set.
at Welch ville.
Ill Eben Montelle, b June 7, 1878, m Gertrude M. Shackford of
Harrison.
Loren T. Brett, b. Paris, m. Jennie M. Keen. She d. Jan. 30,
1882, and he m. 2, Mrs. Marian Evans. He d. July 12, 1900. Wid.
d. May 3, 1915, aged nearly 61. ch — first two by first wife.
I Georgia Mae, b. July 29, 1868; m. 1893, Mark Pride. He d. in
March, 1908 — no ch.
II Walter Loren, b. May 13, 1873; m. Fannie Coleman.
III Willard Arthur, b. May 11, 1884; m. Ruth Buck.
IV Adeline Sarah, b. Jan. 22, 1887; m. Ralph W. Foster.
V Manley Emerson, b. July 22, 1890.
Brooks
The Brooks family has long been established at Whitechurch in
Hampshire, England. “The night of Oct. 18, 1644, the King (Charles
I) lay at Whitechurch at Mr. Brooks’ house.” A monument was
erected to Thomas Brooks of Whitechurch and his wife, Susan,
daughter of Sir Thomas Foster.
Several persons by the name of Brooks came from England to
Mass, in 163 — . Henry Brooks was a selectman of Woburn in 1649.
His first wife’s name was Susanna. Their son John m. Eunice,
daughter of Dea. John Marshall. Their daughter, Sarah, married
Ephraim Buck. They were ancestors of the Bucks of Buckfield and
the Ameses of Norway.
Gov. John Brooks was a descendant of Thomas and his wife,
Susan, who entertained the king at Whitechurch. They were un¬
doubtedly royalists. The Brookses of Norway were descendants of
one of the English emigrants from Whitechurch or vicinity but the
line so far as the writer knows has not been traced.
Thomas G. Brooks, son of Wm. C. and Hannah (Poland)
Brooks and grandson of Jonas and Joanna (Cummings) Brooks, b.
Sept. 7, 1812; m. 1837, Margery F. Bray of Ossipee, N. H., b. Oct.
16, 1817. They came from Paris to Norway in 1843 and settled in
the Parsons neighborhood. He d. Jan. 18, 1887. Wife d. Aug. 31,
1885. 5 ch.
I Mary E., b. Mar. 10, 1838; m. Allan Smith Bartlett.
II William, b. Dec. 31, 1839; d. in infancy.
III George A., b. May 27, 1841; m. 1, Etta J. Houghton; 2, Alice E.
Warren. He d. Apr. 11, 1920. No ch.
IV Dr. Marcus F., b. Nov. 17, 1846, m. Ella S. Evans. He d.
Feb. 18, 1910.
V Mattie F., b. Nov. 17, 1846, a school teacher, d. unm. Mar. 16,
1889.
366
HISTORY OF NORWAY
GEORGE A. BROOKS DR. MARCUS F. BROOKS
Wm. Mark Brooks, son of William and Dorcas (Rawson) and g.
son of Wm. C. Brooks, h. Oct. 11, 1827, lived in Paris, Woodstock,
Otisfield and Norway. He was a noted common school teacher of
over one hundred terms service. He d. June 1, 1906.
David P. Brooks, bro. of Thomas G. and William, b. Paris, Apr.
25, 1837; m. 1866, Julia A. Bennett. Came here from Upton about
1875, and lived for many years near the school-house in the vicinity
of Noble’s Corner. He d. Feb. 26, 1892. Wid. m. John N. Saylor of
Portland — ch :
I Lucretia G., b. Feb. 8, 1867; m. Herbert Pride of Auburn.
II Owen P., b. Apr. 4, 1868; m. Elvira C. Groves of Yarmouth.
She d. Mar. 12, 1921. He lives in Oxford.
III Nina F., b. May 12, 1869; m. Geo. H. Hill of Yarmouuth. 4 ch.
IV Bertha J., b. Apr. 10, 1871; m. Fred Boothby. 2 ch.
V Edith M., b. Nov. 1, 1875; m. A. A. Chapman. 1 ch.
Brown
Ephraim Brown, whose father was a Revolutionary soldier, born
Concord, Mass., Apr. 9, 1789, married Lucy Heald of Carlisle. They
came to Norway in 1822 and settled near Fuller’s Corner, but in
1833 he bought a mill at Steep Falls and removed to the village.
He also engaged in the manufacture of shoe pegs. His mill and
factory were carried away in a freshet in 1843. He died the next
year. Widow died in 1855, aged 67. Only one of his children re¬
mained in Norway. The youngest son, Aaron Wilkins, enlisted from
Mass, during the War of the Rebellion, died at Falmouth, Va., in
1864.
VI Dorcas Adams, b. June 29, 1826; m. John Shaw Sanborn.
III Ephraim H. Brown, b. Sept. 17, 1818; m. Silence J. Lander of
Paris. He was a Sol. in the Civil War, iron foundryman,
merchant, town clerk, selectman, prominent in temperance
and moral reform movements. He d. June 11, 1903. His
wife d. June 19, 1897. 6 ch., 4 of whom d. young.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
367
1 Luella Jane, b. Sept. 13, 1844; m. Osman B. Warren.
4 Gilbert Julian, b. Oct. 14, 1852; m. 1, Nellie Devine; 2, Laura
F. (Knapp) Morton. 1 son, Osman Warren, editor and
publisher of a newspaper in Lynn, Mass.
David M. Brown came to Norway from Freeport in 1838, and
settled on a farm on the east side of the lake in the Crockett neigh¬
borhood. He was b. abt. 1812. His wife Sarah G. Hill was b. Oct.
27, 1821. He d. Nov. 26, 1866. She d. July 22, 1906. 8 ch.
I Phebe Ellen, b. Aug. 12, 1839; m. Thomas D. Knightly. She
d. in 1881.
II Orin, b. Sept. 17, 1841, d. in infancy.
III Harlan Page, b. Nov 1, 1843; m Lydia Jane Kimball of Water¬
ford, b. June 6, 1845. 3 ch.:
1. Cora Ella, b. Mar. 10, 1869; m. 1898 Alfred Lee Wyman.
2. Ava Florence, b. Nov. 18, 1870; d. May 23, 1888.
3. Irvin Elwood, b. Aug. 25, 1875; m. 1901, Annie C. Walker,
b. Jan. 21, 1880. 7 ch.:
1. Eleanor Jane, b. July 6, 1902.
2. Mildred Evelyn, b. June 22, 1904; d. in infancy.
3. Lawrence Gerald, b. Aug. 4, 1906.
4. Evelyn Annie, b. June 4, 1911.
5. Merle Harlan, b. Aug. 8, 1913.
6. Alfred Irvin, b. Feb. 15, 1916, d. Jan. 10, 1917.
7. Miriam Agnes, b. Dec. 12, 1919.
IV Orin, b. Sept. 22, 1846; m. Eliza A. Anderson. He lived on
a farm in the extreme western part of the town, d. June 16,
1912. 4 ch.
1. Edna J ., m. Orin Holman of No. Stratford, N. H.
2. Dr. E. Linwood, dentist, m. a Richardson, res. Bethel.
3. Dr. Maurice V., dentist, m. and resides in Boston.
4. Grace, m. Hiram Caleff. 2 ch. Wilmer and Keith Roland.
V Alvin, b. June 25, 1850; m. 1, Ada M. Carle, b. Oct. 3, 1854,
d. May 15, 1907; m. 2, Feb. 1909, Mrs. Eldora H. (Barker)
Wyman. Mr. Brown is a prosperous farmer living on
the former David Noyes — Geo. E. Gibson farm on the west
side of the lake, and has served may years on the board of
selectmen. 4 ch. — all by 1 wife.
(1) . Fred S., b. Feb. 26, 1879, m. 1907, Grace, dau. of Joseph H.
and Mary C. (Whitman) Stuart of So. Paris. He is a dry goods
merchant in Portland, member of the firm of Brown & Buck in
same business in Norway. 3 ch.
1. John Stuart, b. Sept. 14, 1909; d. abt. 4 years of age.
2. Wm. Alden, b. Mar. 22, 1911.
3. Alvin, b. 1912; d. in infancy.
(2) . Viola, b. May 25, 1881; m. U. Grant Abbott — no issue.
(3) . Elon L., b. Oct. 8, 1883, m. Sept. 4, 1907, Harriet C. Oxnard.
He is in the automobile business. Has a fine voice for singing,
inherited from his mother. 3 ch. Marian Ada, b. Mar. 21, 1909, d.
in infancy; Horace Alvin, b. Apr. 28, 1910, and Paul Lewis, b. Aug.
30, 1912.
368
HISTORY OF NORWAY
(4). Carle L., b. Aug. 5, 1887; m. Dec. 1910, Rachael C. Cutts.
4 ch.
1. Alice M., b. Sept. 21, 1911.
2. Carle L., Jr., b. Feb. 22, 1913.
3. Viola May, b. May 22, 1915.
4. Alvin, b. May 25, 1917.
VI Mary L., b. May 1, 1854; m. Ezra B. Hersey of No. Water¬
ford. 3 ch. Charles Alvin, Clara A. m. Dea. Harold Bean,
and Fannie.
VII Lizzie E., b. Oct. 2, 1856; d. Apr. 5, 1863.
VIII Lucy Etta, b. Nov. 18, 1859; m. Wm. S. Pierce, d. Oct. 1922.
2 ch. A boy, d. in infancy, and Leona Maude, d. Jan. 27,
1907, “aged 18.”
Titus Olcott Brown who came here from Gray in 1833 and
opened a public house in the village, was b. Tolland, Conn., Aug. 25,
1764. He m. Susanna (Johnson) Bundy of Walpole, N. H., b. Dec.
19, 1771. He was a descendant of Thomas 1 Brown of Lynn
(1628), whose wife was the dau. of Thomas Newhall. John 2, one
of the children of Thomas, m. 1692, Elizabeth Miner. They had 10
children: Ichabod 3, b Nov. 12, 1704, m 1731, Sarah Chapman, b.
Nov. 25, 1710. 9 ch. Elias 4, b Feb. 1, 1784, m. 1757, Abigail
Olcott of Bolton. Lived in Tolland, Conn, and Alstead, N. H. 4 ch.
Titus Olcott 5 Brown had a large experience as an inn-keeper — first
at Lancaster, N. H., 2d at Gray Corner, and 3d at Norway. He d. in
N. Feb. 23, 1855, aged 90 yrs. 6 mos. 10 ch.
III Abigail Hatch, b. Apr. 18, 1798; m. 1828, Amos Purington of
Portland. He was associated with his father-in-law here in
the hotel business.
VI John Bundy, b. May 31, 1805; m. 1830, Ann Matilda, dau. of
Philip and Dorcas (Blanchard) Greeley. He settled in Port¬
land and was a very successful merchant and banker. He
d. Jan. -10, 1881, and his sons, Gen. John Marshall and
Philip H. Brown, continued the business under the old firm
name of John B. Brown & Sons.
IV Titus Olcott, Jr., b. Lancaster, N. H., Feb. 18, 1800; m. 1, Sophia
Furbish of Gray; 2, Nancy C. Denison of Burke, Vt. ; 3, Mrs.
Harriet P. Whitcomb of Norway. He d. April 2, 1878. 1st
wife d. May 14, 1827. 2nd wife d. Sept. 6, 1867 ; 3d w. after
1885. 8 ch. by 2d w.
4. Rosalia Denison, b. 1832; m. 1853, Hannibal I. Kimball men¬
tioned elsewhere. She d. in New Haven, Conn., Mar. 11, 1858.
5. Charles Denison, b. Norway, Feb. 16, 1836; m. Abbie F., dau.
of Alva Shurtleff of So. Paris. Resided in Portland and was very
succesful in business there.
Hezekiah E. Brown, son of Amos of Windham and a descendant
of Ezra Brown, killed by the Indians near the Windham block-house,
May 14, 1756, when the Indian Chief Poland was slain by Stephen
Mancheseter, was b. Paris, Feb. 11, 1841; m. 1870, Mary E. Witt.
He was a Civil War soldier in Capt. Amos F. Noyes’ Co. B, 32d Me.
He d. May 17, 1885. His wid. d. May 31, 1887. 2 ch.:
HISTORY OF NORWAY
369
I. Rachel Porter, b. May 20, 1871; m. 1894, Frank A. Richardson of
Leominster, Mass., b. Mar. 30, 1866; res. Leominster; 5 ch. :
Maurice Willard, b June 10, 1896; m. 1919, Cecil Flewelling
of Bellaire. Res. Wallingford, Conn. 1 ch., Jane, b. Mar. 5, 1922.
Marion, b. May 29, 1898.
Rachel, b. May 31, 1905.
Frank Adams, b. Mar. 4, 1909.
Fred Brown, b. June 26, 1910.
II. Willard E., b. July 26, 1873; m. 1901, Agnes Parkhurst, b.
Gardiner, Aug. 21, 1876. Res. Hartford, Conn.— no ch.
H. Walter Brown, b. Brooklyn, N. Y., Aug. 22, 1884; m., 1911,
Iona M. Moore of Toronto, Canada. His parents were Walter C.
and Carrie E. (Howarth) Brown of Milford, Conn., and his grand¬
parents, James and Hannah (Benchley) Brown. She was the sister
of Lieut. Gov. Benchley of Mass. He came to Norway in 1905, and
engaged in business and is known over this country and Canada as
“Buyof” Brown. He resides at Steep Falls. 3 ch.:
I. Bruce Kirkwood, b. June 15, 1913.
2. H. Walter ) ,
3. Howath Allen j *>• May 19, 1916.
Buck.
The Bucks of Norway are descended from Peter Banyott, a
French Huguenot, who came to Massachusetts and changed his name
to Buck. His son, Peter Jr., b. Worcester about 1748, m. Sarah Fay
of Framingham. They came from Paris in 1791 and settled on what
is now the Judge Wm. F. Jones place on Pleasant street in the village.
He was the first shoemaker here. His wife d. Sept. 10, 1839, aged
80. He d. Nov. 6, 1842, aged 94. Of their seven children was James,
b. Worcester, Sept. 18, 1781, m. Susanna Young. He settled on a
farm near Norway Lake village, where his son Albion lived and died,
and where his grandson, Willard H., now resides. His wife d. Nov.
25, 1829, and he m. 2, Irene Crooker, who died about 1852. He
died Jan. 22, 1871.
Albion Buck, b. Apr. 27, 1824; m. Lucia A. Stevens. He d.
Aug. 5, 1915. She d. Apr. 27, 1894. 4 ch. :
I. Prentiss F., b. Oct. 2, 1851; d. unm.
II. Walter S., b. Oct. 10, 1853; m. Jennie E. Holt. He d. July 1,
1919. 9 ch.:
1. Oliver Coy, b. Mar. 24, 1883; m. Violet May Gammon, and re¬
sides in Hebron.
2. Albion L., b. Nov. 30, 1884; m. Emma Abbott. He is a dry
goods merchant in Norway.
3. Lucia Ella, b. Feb. 24, 1886; m. Everett W. York; set. in
Otisfield.
4. Walter P., b. Aug. 29, 1887.
5. Elsie M., b. July 27, 1889.
6. Lena M., b. Aug. 13, 1891.
7. Clifford M., b. July 18, 1893; d. June 15, 1921.
8. Fannie F., b. June 25, 1896.
9. Adna, b May 22, 1899. Killed in auto accident, Dec., 1923.
370
HISTORY OF NORWAY
III. Willard Henry, b. Feb. 4, 1856; m. Jessie M. Hodgdon of
Waterford. — ch :
1. Charles Lemont, b. Oct. 29, 1889; m. Mildred E. McDuffie; ch.
Edwin L., b. July 15, 1922.
2. Harriet Viola, b. Sept. 21, 1891; m. Arthur C. Buck.
3. Frank Warren, b. July 20, 1893; m. Edith E. Davis of
Mechanic Falls.
4. Willard H. Jr.
Whitney Buck, from Buckfield, m. Eleanor O. Chandler and set.
in the Dinsmore neighborhood. He d. July 20, 1904, aged 63. 3 ch.:
1. Arthur C., m. Harriet V. Buck.
2. Clarence W.
3. Florence E.
Peter Buck, son of Daniel and Eunice (Coy) Buck, and grand¬
son of Peter, Jr., b. Greenwood, Oct. 24, 1819, m. Sarah Bacon. He
came to Norway about 1872, and settled on the corner of Whitman
and Maple streets. He was a very well informed and intelligent
man. His wife d. June 14, 1866. He d. June 2, 1911— the oldest
person in town. Held Boston Post cane at time of his death. 2 ch. :
Frances R m. Clarence M. Smith.
Sarah E., d. 1923, unm.
Burnell.
Dr. Alfred P. Burnell, b. 1814, m. Nancy J. Barrows. He was
a respected citizen and a good man. He treated his patients with
medicinal roots and herbs. He d. Feb. 21, 1895. Wid. d. Sept. 28,
1900, aged nearly 80. 4 ch. :
I. Calvin Bridgham, b. Dec. 18, 1845; drowned in N. Y. harbor,
June 2, 1864, in steamboat collision while on his way home
from service in the Norway Company of the 29th Me., in
the Civil War.
II. Mary Eliza, b. Mar. 16, 1847 ; d. young.
III. Edward Gray, b Oct. 28, 1850; m. Fanny G., dau of Lewis B.
Weeks, a hotel keeper. He d. May 13, 1920. 2 ch.
1. Mary A., died in infancy.
2. Edward Lewis, b. Dec. 25, 1885; m. Jan. 1914, Christena
(Dawson) Nickerson, b. Loch Lomond, Cape Breton, May 31, 1884.
She is the dau. of John and Annie (McLeod) Dawson, and m. 1,
Edward W. Nickerson of Halifax, N. S. He d. in 1910. She is
(1923) one of the principal clerks in the dry goods store of Brown
and Buck. He is a clerk in the office of the Buick Company. 1 ch.,
Burnelle Dawson, b. Nov. 21, 1914.
IV. Charles F., b. Feb. 23, 1853; d. Dec. 26, 1877.
Burnham.
Nathaniel Burnham, son of Reuben, b. at Bolton, Mass., Dec.
22, 1769, with his older brother, Abraham, settled about 1800, on
Summit Spring Hill — once called Burnham Hill in Harrison.
Nathaniel m. Abigail Scribner of Waterboro, and Abraham her sister
Alice. Abraham was the grandfather of A. Hall Burnham, widely
known as connected with the corn packing industry. Summit Spring
HISTORY OF NORWAY
371
now owned by Mr. Don C. Seitz of Connecticut, was on Nathaniel
Burnham s farm. He was a leading citizen of Harrison for many
years. His wife d. in 1819, and he m. Nancy Marshall of Alfred. He
d. in 1837, having had seven ch. by 1st. w. and two by the 2d.
Hon. Sumner Burnham, the 5th ch. by first wife, b. Nov. 16, 1809,
m., 1833, Christina Washburn of Hebron. They had nine ch./all b!
in Harrison. In 1858, Mr. Burnham moved to what has in later
years been known as the Benjamin Tucker farm near Norway Lake,
exchanging property with Francis H. Whitman. Shortly after he
removed to Norway village, where he took a prominent part in the
a If aiis of the village and town. In 1861, he was elected representa¬
tive to the legislature. He was one of the organizers of the Norway
National Bank, and served as its President till his death from apo¬
plexy, June 22, 1878. For many years he had served as a deputy
sheriff and detective, in which latter position he rendered invaluable
service to the government during the War of the Rebellion. Mr.
Burnham was one of the pillars of the Congregational church, a
staunch republican and an exemplary citizen. His wife survived him
many years and d. July 14, 1908 at 98 years of age. They are
buried in Pine Grove Cemetery. They had nine children, all born
in Harrison.
I. M. Greenleaf, b. Sept. 12, 1834; m. Christina Stedman of
Harrison. Their dau. Annie Cordelia, m. Edwin M. Rowe. He d.
July 15, 1871. His wife d. in 1889.
II. Francis A., b Mar. 20, 1836; m 1856, Wm. Evans of Portland;
3 ch. Harry, 2d ch., a cashier in First National Bank of
Lincoln, Neb.
III. Otho W ., b Feb. 27, 1838; m. 1865, Mabel Bates of Waterville.
He served as First Lieut, in Co. C, 17th Me.. He d. Aug
19, 1868.
IV. Mary C., b Dec. 10, 1839; m. Henry C. Robie. They settled
in Lincoln, Neb. in 1887.
V. Sumner W ., b Apr. 22, 1842; d. Apr. 3, 1844.
VI. Lt. Sumner W b. Oct. 15, 1845; m. 1876, Sarah Dieppe of
Glasgow, Ky. He was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in
C*. C, 17th Me. This was one of the fighting regiments of
the Potomac Army. It displayed great gallantry at Gettys¬
burg in the wheatfield on the second day of the battle, where
for many hours it held the line near the famous stone wall.
For several weeks in the Wilderness campaign it was under
fire almost daily. For gallantry at Chancellorsville, Sum¬
ner was presented with the Kearney medal of honor, and
for daring and bravery during the siege of Petersburg he
was commissioned Sec. Lieut. He was one of the real
heroes of the war. The writer attended the Academy at
Hebron with him after the war. There he learned to appre¬
ciate his manly and splendid qualities. No truer friend or
finer young man ever lived, and to this day I look back to
my school days at Hebron with Sumner W. Burnham, Clar¬
ence M. Smith and Marcus F. Brooks with great pride and
satisfaction. Sumner W. Burnham after marriage settled on
372
HISTORY OF NORWAY
a stock farm near the city of Lincoln, Neb., where he was en¬
gaged in stock raising. He founded the town of Burnham,
Neb., which has the most extensive brick manufactory in all
that section of the country, of which he was the principal
owner. For four years he served in the legislature of his
adopted state — two years in the House of Representatives
and two in the Senate. For four years also he served as
county treasurer. He d. a few years ago, lamented by all
who ever knew him.
VII. Silas H., b. Apr. 12, 1848; m. 1878, Eliza Lewis of Glasgow,
Ky. They settled in Lincoln, Neb., where he has been very
successful in business. Mr. Burnham is a graduate of Dart¬
mouth College, class of ’74. After graduation he practiced
law for a period in partnership with Henry M. Bearce in
Norway. On going West he organized the First National
Bank of Broken Bow, Neb., of which he was chosen presi¬
dent. He is now President and Manager of the First Na¬
tional Bank of Lincoln, in that state— one of the very largest
institutions of the kind in the Middle Wbst, with deposits
rising $5,000,000. He and his accomplished wife have a
family of children of two boys and two girls.
VIII. Alice S., b. Oct. 12, 1850; m. 1875, Eugene F. Fuller of
Oxford. They settled in Lincoln, Neb., and had two chil¬
dren, Otho and Alice. This boy and his father d. in 1879.
The mother d. in Norway in 1889. The dau., Alice, m. in
Lincoln and resides there.
IX. Horace A., b. Oct. 1852; m. 1873, Lizzie Frost of Norway.
They set. in Lincoln, Neb., in 1877. His wife d. in Westville,
Neb. in 1889, leaving five sons, now all grown up and living
in that State. In 1891, Mr. B. m. 2, Anna Noble of West¬
ville. He d. in March, 1903, leaving two daughters and a
son by his 2d wife.
Carter.
Robert Carter came to New England in the Mayflower in 1620,
in the family of William Mullens, the trader of the colony, and d. the
following winter. The English emigrant ancestor of the Carters of
Bethel and Paris was Rev. Thomas Carter 1. The line from him
to Hon. Timothy Jarvis Carter, Congressman from the Oxford dis¬
trict of Maine, who died at Washington in 1838, is as follows:
Timothy 2, Benjamin 3, Timothy 4, and Dr. Timothy 5.
Leonard A. Carter, connected with this line, was a son of Still¬
man Carter who settled in Hebron from Wrentham, Mass., and g. son
of Stanley Carter — a farmer and drover for the Brighton, Mass,
market. He lived in the north part of the town near the Greenwood
town line on the Fuller’s Corner road. He was b. in Hebron, Dec.
1, 1831, and m. Lucy E. Moody, a relative of Prof. John F. Moody,
the noted teacher of high schools and academies, b. Turner, Nov. 1,
1830. Mr. Carter was a well-informed man and a natural orator.
He d. Nov. 3, 1907, wid. d. Apr. 11, 1908. 11 ch.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
373
LEONARD A. CARTER AND WIFE
374
HISTORY OF NORWAY
I. Lucy J., b. Nov. 5, 1852; m. Austin Hutchinson of Albany.
He d. at No. Waterford in Aug. 1921. 2 ch : 1, Edna,
m. Harry Brown, lumberman and millman at No. Water¬
ford; 2, Eveline, m. Fred McAllister.
II. Charles Stillman, b. Aug. 1, 1856; m. 1, Mary H. Emery; 2,
Lydia A. Merrill. He d. Jan. 10, 1903, no issue.
III. Wallace L., b. Sept. 25, 1857; m. Lizzie Packard; 2 ch., Perley,
d. young in 1891; a dau. d. in infancy; res. Lynn, Mass.;
d. Jan. 13, 1923.
IV. Sarah F., b. May 17, 1860; d. Nov. 16, 1876.
V. George Washington, b. July 23, 1862; m. Hattie E. Edwards;
1 ch., Guy N., b. Sept. 13, 1884; m. Lulu Chase of Paris;
res. Revere, Mass.; 3 ch., Clara E., b. July 3, 1911; Esther
L., b. Mar. 29, 1917, and George Freeman, b. Aug. 27, 1922.
VI. John W., b. Apr. 9, 1863; m. Eunice B. Harriman; 1 ch. d. in
infancy. Res., Auburn.
VII. Emma M., b. Apr. 7, 1865; d. June 4, 1890.
VIII. Ella B., b. Oct. 3, 1867; d. June 4, 1889.
IX. Mattie E., b. Jan. 14, 1870; d. May 25, 1890.
X. Edmund B., b. Sept. 24, 1872; m. Vilda F. Bisbee; no ch.
XI. Lewis A., b. Apr. 12, 1874; d. Aug. 18, 1874.
Churchill.
William Churchill, son of Joseph of Middleboro, Mass, and his
wife, Alice Drake, b. May 21, 1797, m. 1, Polly Bird, d. Sept. 15, 1821,
“aged 25;” m. 2, Rebecca, dau. of Wm. Churchill of Buckfield— a Rev.
Sol., b Sept. 1801. They lived in the Daniel Cummings neighbor¬
hood. He d. Aug. 10, 1850; wid. d. July 9, 1880. 5 ch. all by 2d w.:
I. Joseph, b. Feb. 2, 1828; m. 1, Betsey Moody; 2, Viana Perham,
sister of Gov. Sidney Perham, b Apr. 10, 1832. He d. Aug.
16, 1881; wid. d. July 16, 1903; 1 ch. by 2d w., Walter Albert,
b. Dec. 6, 1858; m. Linda B. Rawson of Paris Hill; settled in
Auburn.
II. Harriet, b. Jan. 6, 1832.
III. Calista, b. Mar. 22, 1833; m. Calvin Richardson
IV. William, b. Jan. 22, 1837; m. Mary D. Penley. He d. Sept. 26
1873; wid. survives (1923). 3 ch.: Cora, Harry J. and
Mary, d. young.
V Ellen b. Jan. 1, 1839; m. John Gerry, a stone mason, a good
citizen and a faithful friend. He was twice married; 1, to
Sarah J. Stephens of Woodstock, b. Turner, Sept. 9, 1833,
d Norway, about 1860; 2 ch. : 1, Joseph, b. Sept. 18, 1852, m.
l’ Josephine Crockett (1 ch. Ada, d. at the age of abt. 18) ;
2 Elizabeth Greenhalge; res. Watertown, Mass. (2 ch., Arge,
music teacher; Pauline m. Carl Richardson, who have 1 ch.
Ruth). He is a prominent business man of his town and has
hdd the office of selectman and other places of trust. Has
large real estate interests in Boston. 2, Jane, b. about 1855,
m. Justus I. Millett. John Gerry d. May 2, 1877; wid. d.
Dec. 20, 1908. 3 ch by 2d wife.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
375
1. Cora, b. Feb. 18, 1864, d. May 1, 1879
2. Ina, b. Nov. 12, 1867, m. Frank L. Haskell; 5 ch.: Frances
Myrtle, b. Jan. 10, 1890; Philip Vinton, b. May 9, 1892; Marian Ellen,
b. Jan. 9, 1894; Ernest Floyd, b. Sept. 20, 1896; Dorothy Elizabeth,
b. July 28, 1903.
3. William, Carl, b. Oct. 29, 1875; m. Elizabeth Norris. Success¬
ful business man in Bethel; supt. of Water Works Co., etc.; no ch.
Clement.
Enoch N. Clement, b. Landoff, N. H. Jan. 18, 1832; m. Mary M.
Richardson of Compton, Quebec. He was a bugler in the 5th N. H.
Regt. of Col. Edward Cross who was killed at Gettysburg, and came
to Norway from Bath, N. H., soon after the shoe factory was built
and was a shoe cutter for many years and member of the band. His
wife d. Sept. 10, 1884, and he m. 2, Sarah A. (Bradbury) Woodbury,
a sister of Dr. O. N. Bradbury. He d. Jan. 8, 1894; wid. survived
him several years. Ch. by 1st wife:
RICHARD E. CLEMENT
I. Prof. Richard E., b. Jan. 2, 1860; m. Elenore Osborn; State
Supt. of Schools in N. J., and candidate for Congress. He
d. greatly lamented, in 1922.
I. Grace M., b. Oct. 4, 1862; m. Samuel H. Hayden. Res. Haver¬
hill, Mass.
876
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Cobb.
Elder Henry 1 Cobb came over to Plymouth from England
about 1629. He m. there, 1631. Patience Hurst, dau. of James. She
d. 1648. and he m. 2, Sarah Hinckley. He lived in Plymouth, Scitu-
ate and Barnstable; d. in 1679; 2 w. survived him. 15 ch. — 7 sons
and S daus.; Janies 2, the 2d son, b. Jan. 14, 1634, m. Sarah, dau.
of George Lewis; he d. in 1695; 11 ch.; the 5th ch. James Jr. 3, b.
July S. 1673, m. Elizabeth Hallett. Of their 7 ch. was Sylvanus 4,
b. 1701; m. 172S, Marcia Baker; 7 ch. Ebenezer 5, b. 1731, m Lydia
Churchill. He d. at the age of 101. Of their children was Ebenezer
Jr., b. Mar. 17, 1759, who m. Elizabeth, dau of Samuel Cobb of
Carver, b. 1760. They settled in Norway. He was a Sol. in the
Rev.; d. May 9. 1826. His wid. d. June 22, 1843, “aged 83;” 9 ch.:
I. Elizabeth , b. 1784, m. Samuel Putnam of Rumford; d. Nov. 1,
1872.
III. Susanna, b. March 22, 1788, m. Daniel Smith.
Y. Lucy, b. 1792, m. Stephen Putnam of Rumford; d. Mar. 3,
1828.
YI. Cyrus, b. June 20, 1793; m. 1818, Susan Norton.
YII. Churchill , b. Dec. 28, 1795; m. Pamela Putnam of Rumford.
YIII. Rev. Sylvanus , b. N. July 17, 1798; m. in 1822, Eunice H.
Wait of Hallowell.
IX. Samuel , b. Aug. 18, 1802; m. 1830, Mehitable T. Hall.
Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, b. ‘1798, m. Eunice H. Wait. He was a
school teacher, a noted preacher of the Universalist denomination
and an editor for several years of a religious journal. His wife, too,
had literarv tastes and kept a diary. He d. at East Boston, Mass.,
Oct. 31, 1867. 9 ch. :
I. Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., b. Waerville, June, 1823, where his father
was pastor of the Universalist Church Society, m. E. Bos¬
ton, 1845, Mary Jane Head, b. Salem, Mass., May 4, 1823.
He was a noted author of stories and tales, built up by his
writings the New Y'ork Ledger, and made Robert Bonner a
millionaire. Lived a period in Norway, where he wrote the
“Gunmaker of Moscow” — his best story. He removed to
Hyde Park, Mass. His last tale was “The Smuggler of
King’s Cove,” which was completed only two months before
his death, July 20, 1887. His wid. survived him many years
(d. 1900). They had two children:
1. Mary Hale, b. E. B., March 27, 1846.
2. Ella Waite, b. E. B., July 22, 1852.
II. Samuel Tucker, b. June 11, 1825; m. 1847, Sophronia Tisdale.
III. Eunice Hale, b. Apr. 15, 1827; m. 1849, Lafayette Culver
of Philadelphia, Pa.
IY. Ebenezer, b. Malden, Jan. 17, 1829; m. 1853, Mary Jane
Booth, E. Boston.
George, b. Mar. 31, 1831; m. 1856, Almeda Hall of E. Boston.
Emma Little
YII. Cyrus l b Aug 6> 1834; m. Jan. 1, 1866 \
YIII. Darius ' '
Laura Little
HISTORY OF NORWAY
377
Samuel Cobb, youngest son of Ebenezer Jr., the Rev. Sol., b.
1^98, m. Mehitable Hall. They lived in dagger. He was a school
teacher and member of the school committee. He d. Apr. 2, 1875.
His wife d. May 4, 1864. Only 1 ch. sur. infancy, Sylvanus W., b.
Mar. 19, 1836; m. Laura A. Hapgood of Brandon, Vt.
Cole.
Horatio Gates Cole from Winthrop, b. June 9, 1802, came to
Norway about 1820. His parents were John and Ann (Morrill) Cole
of Berwick. He m. Pamela, dau. of Elias Stowell of South Paris,
b. July 21, 1807, and engaged in the wool-carding business. He d!
Aug. 22, 1869. She d. Apr. 11, 1881. 10 ch.:
I. Mary Ann, b. Mar. 9, 1829; m. Joseph A. Kendall; d. Dec
18, 1895.
II. Sarah Hall, b. Apr. 9, 1831; m. 1851, Gen. Wm. Wirt Virgin,
b. Rumford, Sept. 18, 1827, Col. of the 23d Me. in the Civil’
War. Judge of the Sup. Jud. Court, d. 1893, while a Justice
of the Court. His wid. survived him many years, dying in
Portland, July 1, 1920, at the age of 89.
III. Horatio G., Jr., b. Mar. 6, 1834; m. Lavinia P. Turner. He
d. Feb. 24, 1899. She d. May 4, 1891. No ch.
IV. Charles Carroll, b. Nov. 23, 1835; m. Anna K. Goodridge;
a Civil War Sol.; d. Aug. 12, 1873.
V. Albert Henry, b. Aug. 3, 1838; m. Mattie R. James of Med¬
ford, Mass. He d. Mar. 8, 1873.
VI. Horace, b. Oct. 4, 1830; m. 1, Alice E. Denison; 2, Mary
Knightly. He d. Oct. 25, 1900; 1st wife d. Nov. 2, 1879,
aged nearly 32. 3 ch. :
Edward D., b Aug. 19, 1871; m. and set. in Mass.
Herbert Denison, b. Aug. 20, 1873; m. Charlotte M. Somers.
Annie May, b. July 12, 1875; m. Louis B. Wilson of Hart¬
ford, Conn.
GEORGE A. COLE
VII. George Arthur, b. Mar. 17, 1843; m. Sarah E. Allen, b. Apr.
23, 1850. He d. May 8, 1912. 2 ch.:
378
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Jennie May, b. May 13, 1872; m. Henry B. Foster; 1 ch., Laures-
tine L., b. Jan. 10, 1903.
Lena, b. June 30, 1874; d. in infancy.
VIII. Wm. Channing, b Oct. 19, 1846; m. Grace H. Downer, b.
Paris, Oct. 2, 1841. He was a Sol. in the 29th Me. He d. May 11,
1908. 5 ch.:
Horace H., m. Ella L. Jewett.
John D., m. Mary A. Noble. She d. May 1, 1897.
Hattie A., m. Arthur H. McDonald.
Amy Lillian, m. Joseph A. Currier of Lewiston.
Harry Virgin, m. Clara B. Cassidy of So. Portland.
IX. Frederick Augustus, b. Aug. 20, 1849, m. 1, Rose Weymouth;
2, Lillian J. (Downer) Evans. By 1 wife, 1 ch., a dau.
living unm. in Mass. He d. Jan. 17, 1920. 2 wife d. Mar.
3, 1918, aged 67.
X. Harriet Amelia, b. Jan. 26, 1852; d. Oct. 30, 1866.
Cook
Almon L. Cook, b. Gorham, April 12, 1868, m. Dec. 1890,
A. Geneva Cross. His parents were George H. and Elizabeth M.
(Shaw) Cook of Windham. His paternal grandfather was William
Cook of Milton, N. H. His mother was born on Frye’s Island in
Sebago Lake, the only white child ever born there. Almon L. Cook
began the business of hair dressing when sixteen years old, came
to Norway in Dec. 1886, and went into the barber shop of Josiah T.
Rowe as his assistant. Within three years thereafter he began
business for himself, which he has conducted with marked success
ever since. Bird hunting is his hobby. 1 ch., Pearl Frances, b. Oct.
21, 1891; m. Scott L. Kilborn, a barber, who is Mr. Cook’s assistant.
’ Dr. Ernest H. Cook, bro. of Almon L., was a homeopathic phy¬
sician. He m. Jennie, dau. of Aaron C. Noble. He d. Aug. 26, 1893,
“aged 33.” — no ch.
Cord well
William Cordwell, with a family, was living in Bakerstown
(Minot and Poland) when the census of 1790 was taken.
John Cordwell, also with a family, was a settler in Shepards-
field at the same time. Both may have been Rev. Sols. Probably
William, who with wife, Lydia, was a settler in Norway about 1813
was the son of William. He was born about Jan. 1, 1791 and his
wife in April, 1792. They removed to a farm in Paris near the Ox¬
ford town line. He d. Mar. 30, 1879. His wife d. May 10, 1870.
Both bur. in Rustfield Cem. with their child, “S. B.” b. May 3, 1821,
d. Jan. 24, 1846.
William D. Cordwell, b. Sept. 22, 1819; m. Martha Ann, dau.
of Joseph and Sarah (Ramsdell) Wilson of Oxford, b. Nov. 4, 1883.
He d. June 23, 1905. Wid. d. Aug. 5, 1912. Ch.
I Wilson H., b. 1852; d. Sept. 29, 1867.
II Royal, b. Aug. 1860; m. Cora A. McAllister. Ch.
1. Roy, b. Sept. 26, 1888; m. Lena Meader. 3 ch.
George, b. abt. 1914.
Roy Wilson, b. Mar. 28, 1916.
James Field, b. 1918.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
379
Cox
WmLtAM Cox of Plymouth, N. H., b. Sept. 7, 1774, m. Elizabeth
Phipps, b. Chatham, N. H., Aug. 31, 1784. He was in trade in the
village for many years, coming here about 1807. He d. Apr. 7 1847.
Widow d. Feb. 18, 1854. 14 ch. — several of whom d. young.
II Abraham J ., b. 1804; m. and set. in Albany, N. Y., d. 1844.
III Thomas J., b. 1806; m. Almira Millett, set. in Dixfield, d 1885
IV Wm. Jr., b. Aug. 23, 1808; m. Elizabeth S. Millett.
V Caroline E., b. Mar. 23, 1810, m Wm. Sweetser of Boston, d.
May 16, 1895.
VI Mary A., b. Feb. 19, 1812; m. A. P. Sweetser, d. Feb. 9, 1888.
VII Sam’l P., b. Nov. 23, 1813; m. Mary Turner, set. in Ills.
VIII Geo. W., b. Oct 22, 1815; m. Mary J. Lovering, set. in Ills.
IX Louisa A., b. May 14, 1816, m. Dr. Augustus Harris of Cole-
brook, N. H., d. 1874.
X Abigail P ., b. Dec. 29, 1816; m. L. Brown, set. in Ills.
XII James H., b. Apr. 21, 1822; m. Mary Chadbourne, set. in Ills.
XIII Rowena, b. Oct. 17, 1824; m. Claudius A. Noyes, set. in Boston.
William Cox Jr., b. 1808; m. Elizabeth S., dau. of Nathaniel
Millett, b. Aug. 30, 1819. He lived near Fuller’s Corner; d. Mar.
11, 1897. Wid. d. Mar. 18, 1900. 8 ch. sev. of whom d. young.
I Abby R., b. May 11, 1842; m. Otis Bosworth. He d. 1877.
She d. June 5, 1910.
III Elizabeth J., b. Jan. 4, 1846; d. Sept. 6, 1898.
II Wm. F ., b. Nov. 28, 1843; m. Catherine H. Noyes. He was
a soldier in the Civil War. Wife d. Mar. 12, 1922. 2 ch.
1. Oscar Noyes, b. Oct. 9, 1870; m. Fannie L. Herrick— no ch!
2. Wealthy M., b. Mar. 28, 1876; m. Edward E. Harris. Set. in
Mass. — no ch. He d. Nov. 30, 1922, “aged 53.”
IV Edwin Augustus, b. Sept. 10, 1848; m. Issie A. Hobbs. He
lives on the old Cox homestead near Fuller’s Corner. 3 ch.
1. Claude Wm., b. Sept. 10, 1876; m., resides in Auburn and
has two children :
Edwin Wm., b. Nov. 10, 1898.
Chester, b July 8, 1900.
2. Minneola Ava, b. Mar. 3, 1880; m. Claude A. Haskell. She
d. Aug. 4, 1922. 3 ch.
3. Carlton Edwin, b. Sept. 4, 1885; m. 1912, Ada E. Hobbs of E.
Bridgton, Vt. 3 ch.: Jere, James and a baby girl in 1922.
Cragin.
Dennis and Bridget Cragin, with their four children, Nora,
Jeremiah D., Peter and Margaret, emigrated from Limerick, Ireland!
in 1847, to escape the oppression under which the people of that
country were then suffering. They settled in Portland, where four
more children, Mary, John, Dennis and Josephine were born to them.
Of the eight, only Margaret and Josephine are now (1922) living.
Jere as he was familiarly called, b. Jan. 20, 1840, was a very in¬
telligent man, a tanner and currier and lived for many years on
Water Street, in Norway village. He m. Susan M., dau. of Silas
380
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Payson and Susan (Langmaid) Somes of Edgecomb. She was b.
in Woburn, Mass., Apr. 28, 1842, and has been a music teacher for
over half a century. Her grandparents were Solomon and Hannah
(Davison) Somes of Edgecomb. Silas P. Somes was noted for his
integrity. He was a tanner by trade. He and his wife passed the
last years of their lives in Norway village. He d. Nov. 2, 1881,
“aged 63 yrs. 10 mos.” Wid. d. July 2, 1884, “aged 66 yrs. 6 mos.”
Jere D. Cragin d. Mar. 3, 1907; all are buried in Pine Grove Cem.
3 ch. all born in Norway.
I. Nora, b. Feb. 14, 1876; m. Geo. W. Moholland of Medford,
Mass. She graduated at Salem Normal School. Principal
of Tufts school at time of her marriage. They have three
children: Geo. Winthrop, b. Oct. 24, 1905; Virginia Frye,
b. Mar. 30, 1908, and Charles Langmaid, b. July 15, 1909.
DR. CHAS. L. CRAGIN
11. Dr. Charles Langmaid, b. Mar. 2, 1877, m. Sally M., his cousin,
dau. of Peter Cragin. Graduated at Bowdoin, is in the
practice of medicine at Portland, and is one of the most
skilful surgeons on the staff of the Maine General Hospital.
5 ch.: Florence M., b. Mar. 6, 1909, Richard Somes, b.
May 27, 1911, Charles L. Jr., b. Mar. 23, 1914, Sally P., b.
Feb. 24, 1920, and Robert, b. Feb. 4, 1921.
III. Hattie E., b. Mar. 15, 1878. She taught in the village schools
here for ten years, one year in Portland and for past ten
years has had a position in the Rockland schools.
Crockett.
Thomas Crockett was in Kittery in 1647. He is supposed to
have been one of Capt. John Mason’s company who came from Eng¬
land in 1631 and settled in what is now N. H. on the Piscataqua.
He had a grandson, Ephraim Crockett, who m. Deborah Haley
about 1690, and settled in Stratham, N. H. An Ephraim Crockett
m. Rebecca Frink of Kittery, March 13, 1729. Ephraim Crockett,
perhaps a grandson of last named, was b. at Cape Elizabeth, July
12, 1755. He m. June 20, 1777, Rebecca Stanford, b. Kennebunk,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
381
July 20, 1760. This Ephraim Crockett was a patriot soldier of the
Revolution, serving in Capt. Samuel Dunn’s Co. of Col. Edmund
Phinney’s Regt. of Foot in the Siege of Boston in 1775. This com¬
pany and regiment was recruited upon hearing of the Battle of Lex¬
ington and Concord. He settled at Danville, now Auburn. The dates
of his and his wife’s death are unknown. They had 10 ch.:
I. Rebecca, b. Dec. 16, 1778.
II. David, b. Jan. 25, 1786, m. Esther Dingley.
III. Ephraim Jr., b. Feb. 17, 1788; m. Sally B. Wentworth.
IV. Mary, b. April 21, 1790; m. Nathan Morse.
V. Sally, b. July 21, 1792; m. Joel Morse.
VI. Priscilla, b. Sept. 21, 1794; m. John Stinchfield.
VII. Joseph, b. May 23, 1797; m. Elizabeth J. Wentworth.
VIII. James, b. Feb. 22, 1799.
IX. Betsey, b. June 28, 1801; m. Asa Morrill.
X. Eliza, b. Nov. 30, 1803.
Ephraim Crockett, b. Feb. 17, 1788 in Danville, m. Mar. 30,
1813, Sally B. Wentworth. They settled in Norway on the east side
of the Great Pond. His name is perpetuated in the ridge of land
where he lived. His death occurred Nov. 12, 1856. Wid. d. May
6, 1875. They had 13 children:
I. Sarah W ., b. Danville, Nov. 11, 1813; m. Charles Penley.
II. Samuel W., b. Norway, Jan. 15, 1815; m. 1839, Nancy
Twombly.
III. Ephraim S., b. Norway, July 20, 1817; m. Sally D. Penley.
IV. Betsey W., b. Norway, Feb. 7, 1819; m. 1, John Penley; 2,
Albion P. Chapman.
V. Nathan M., b. Norway, Sept. 18, 1821; m. Mary C. Stowell
of Paris.
VI. Wm. R., b. Norway, Aug. 30, 1823; m. Lydia B. Stetson.
VII. David B., b. Norway, July 27, 1825; m. Laura A. Swift.
VIII. James S., b Norway, Aug 15, 1827; m. Salome Frank.
IX. Joseph Francis, b. Norway, Dec. 9, 1829; m. Annette Stetson.
X. Hannah J., b. Norway, Aug. 7, 1831; m. Thos. H. Richardson.
XI. Mary A., b. Norway, Oct. 19, 1833; m. Isaiah V. Penley.
XII. Eliza J., b. Norway, Aug. 27, 1835; m. Joseph M. Little of
N. H.
XIII. Charles A., b. Norway, June 12, 1837; m. Sarah B. Lague
of Indiana.
Ephraim S. Crockett, son of Ephraim, b. July 20, 1817, m. 1843,
Sarah D. Perrley, b. Auburn, Jan. 6, 1819. She d. Aug. 1, 1859. He
d. Jan. 17, 1874. They had nine children:
I. John Freeland, b. Oct. 23, 1843; d. Richmond, Ind., Apr. 25,
1875, while conductor on a R.R. ; a fine young man.
II. Abbie Jane, b. Dec. 20, 1845; m. 1874, Charles N. Tubbs.
III. Josiah Penley, b. June 22, 1847; d. May 22, 1881.
IV. M. Ella, b. Jan. 14, 1849; d. unm. Feb. 21, 1901.
V. Sarah A., b. Nov. 12, 1850; resides in Marietta, Ga. ; unm.
VI. Edgar L., b. Dec. 21, 1852; m. 1881, Lizzie Allison.
VII. Louisa F., b. July 22, 1854.
382
HISTORY OF NORWAY
VIII. Warren E., b. Aug. 8, 1856; one of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders,
d. in 1916.
IX. Oscar R., b. Dec. 31, 1857; d. Jan. 24, 1884.
Wm. Robinson Crockett, son of Ephraim Jr., m. Lydia B. Stet¬
son, b. Sumner, 1830. They lived on the old Crockett homestead.
She d. Jan. 5, 1882. He d. Jan. 23, 1882. 8 ch. : Samuel, and Wil¬
liam and Samuel, twins, d. in infancy.
1 Abel Stetson, b. Sept. 14, 1850; d. May 9, 1922.
2 Josephine B., b Feb. 23, 1854; m. 1, Joseph Gerry; 2, Anson
J. Millett; she d. many years ago; 1 ch. by 1st husband, Ada, d. in
Mass, at age of 18.
3 Emma Tuell, b. Dec. 1858; m. 1, Geo. P. Young, d. Feb. 27,
1891; 2, Rev. John Harding; res., Pascoag, R. I.; 1 ch. by 1st hus¬
band, William F., b. May 14, 1886, m. Addie Chaplin of Gorham; 3
ch., Geo. W., b. Aug. 9, 1905, Winona, b. Feb. 2, 1908, and Wil¬
lard Harding, b. Aug. 11, 1912.
4 Henrietta, b. Feb. 2, 1868; m. 1887, Frank G. Hobbs, who
d. June 22, 1891; 1 ch., Frank Harriman, b. Mar. 5, 1889; m. Mary
Montescue; no ch.
5 Lydia Frances, b. Apr. 9, 1874; m. Wm. Felker of Toronto,
Canada.
There were three distinct families of Crocketts who were early
settlers in Gorham, Me., all said to be descendants of Thomas of Kit-
tery, in 1647. Joshua Crockett and his wife, Elizabeth, died there
very aged, she in Sept., 1798, and he, Feb. 18, 1800. Lt. Joshua
Crockett, an officer in the Revolution, was their son. He had m.
Hannah Babb of Falmouth, now Portland, in 1757. She d. May 5,
1805. He d. Jan. 6, 1809. They had 11 children. The third child
was Joshua, b. June 4, 1765, who m. 1787, Sarah Hamblin. He is
said to have been a soldier of the Revolution and a member of Capt.
Paul Ellis’ Gorham Company, who re-enlisted Apr. 1, 1776, to serve
one year. There must be some mistake, for at that time he was not
quite 11 years old. The date of his birth, determined from his grave
stone in Rustfield Cemetery, corresponds with that above given.
He may, however, have served at a later time or possibly as an offi¬
cer’s servant. I have no reasonable explanation, but give statement
from the Gorham History for what it is worth. He settled first in
Gorham, then moved to Hebron, and finally came to Norway. He
settled on what was known for many years as the Ralph S. Freeman
farm. His name is perpetuated in the Crockett Bridge over the
outlet of the Great Pond. He d. Oct. 11, 1819. His widow survived
him 25 years, dying Sept. 8, 1844, aged 77. They had nine children:
I. James, b. Gorham, Apr. 24, 1789; m. Martha Pike, dau. of
John.
II. Joshua, b. Gorham, Jan. 14, 1791; m. Judith Pike, dau. of
Dudley.
III. Samuel, b. Hebron, Nov. 26, 1792; m. Mary Herring.
IV. Lewis, b. Hebron, Dec. 21, 1794; m. Betsey Bennett.
V. Solomon, b. Norway, Feb. 7, 1797; m. Dorcas Sutton.
VI. Hannah, b. Norway, Apr. 14, 1799; m. Lemuel Bartlett, son
of Capt. Josiah.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
383
VII. Betsey, b. Norway, March 22, 1801; m. Wm. Adams.
VIII. Sewell, b. Norway, Oct. 4, 1803; m. Olive Hayford.
IX. Sally, b. Norway, Feb. 15, 1806; d. March 17, 1837.
James Crockett, son of Joshua, b. Apr. 24, 1789, m. Martha Pike.
He was in trade in the village for many years, in a little store on
the corner of Water and Pleasant streets. He was widely known
for his square and honorable dealings. He d. Aug. 31, 1863; wife d.
Aug. 3, 1850, “aged 57”— ch:
I. James, b. May 1, 1813; d. Feb. 24, 1814.
II. Mary P., b. Feb. 12, 1815; d. July 28, 1835.
III. Henry L., b. Mar. 15, 1817; m. Rosanna Buck; set. in Port¬
land; d. Sept. 15, 1845.
IV. Hannah B., b. Apr. 30, 1819; m. Nathan K. Noble.
V. Elizabeth S., b. Aug. 17, 1821; m. Capt. Jonathan Blake.
VI. Abigail D., b. Apr. 29, 1824; m. 1, Jona. G. Towne; 2, Isaac
Hicks.
VII. Sewall, b. Dec. 7, 1826; d. May 25, 1827.
Joshua Crockett, Jr., son of Joshua, b. Jan. 14, 1791, m. Judith
Pike. He lived on the farm of his father, took care of his parents
and had the homestead. He died Oct. 31, 1845. She died after cen¬
sus was taken in 1850 — ch:
I. Mahlon, b. Sept. 3, 1815; m. Martha J. Chesley; s. in Lincoln.
II. Joshua B., b. Nov. 11, 1818; m. 1, Columbia Curtis; 2, Esther
J. Frost. •
III. Sarah, b. Apr. 9, 1821; m. Ralph S. Freeman.
IV. Charles G., b. Dec. 26, 1822; m. Sarah Oliver.
V. Harriet B., b. Sept. 10, 1825; d. Sept. 21, 1843.
VI. Grosvenor, b. Apr. 24, 1827 ; m. Cynthia J. Bolster.
VII. James, b. Oct. 22, 1829; m. Ellen Hobbs; d. in 1917.
VIII. Levi, b. Dec. 11, 1831; d. Dec. 8, 1855.
IX. Enoch, b. Oct. 12, 1833; d. June 17, 1862.
Grosvenor Crockett, son of Joshua Jr., b. Apr. 24, 1827; m.
Cynthia J. Bolster. He d. July 31, 1874. His widow survived him
many years — ch:
I. Willie L., b. Jan. 29, 1859; d. 1863.
II. Mary J., b. Jan. 13, 1861; d. Aug. 4, 1863.
III. Georgia B., b. Oct. 19, 1863; d. Sept. 8, 1865.
IV. George Thomas, b. March 12, 1868.
V. Henry J., adopted, b. Bethel, Nov. 21, 185 , d. Jan. 5, 1882; m.
Annie Thomas of Andover.
Mahlon Crockett, oldest son of Joshua, Jr., b. Sept. 3, 1815,
m. Martha J. Chesley. They lived on the old homestead till after
1850, when they moved to Lincoln, Me., where he died June 6, I860.
Children:
I. Harriet P., b. 1844; m. James Shedd.
II. Cynthia J., b. 1846.
III. Mary A., b. 1848.
Samuel Crockett, brother of the first Joshua that settled in Nor¬
way, b. Oxford, then part of Hebron, Nov. 26, 1792, married in 1815,
Mary Herring. They lived in Oxford, where she d. Nov. 4, 1877, aged
82 — ch :
384
HISTORY OF NORWAY
I. Mary Jane, b. June 24, 1816; m. 1836, Eben J. Pottle.
II. Sally L., b. July 12, 1818; m. Eben J. Pottle.
III. Solomon, b. June 11, 1820.
IV. Esther C., b. March 23, 1822; m. Charles Pike.
V. James, b. Feb. 8, 1826; d. in infancy.
VI. James, b. Oct. 1, 1827; d. June 17, 1832.
VII. Benjamin, b. Apr. 6, 1831; m. 1850, Elvira F. McAllister.
VIII. Mark, b. 1836; m. Rosalia Augusta Millett.
Benjamin Crockett, son of Samuel, b. April 6, 1831, m. Elvira
F. McAllister and settled on home farm in Oxford about a mile from
Norway village. 2 ch.
I. Samuel Lafayette, b. Oct. 15, 1853; a druggist for many years
in Norway; d. Apr. 3, 1889.
II. Alfred Irving, b. Aug. 14, 1856.
JAMES O. CROOKER
Crooker.
Crooker or Crocker, a variation of the same name — is an old
English family, running back to Chaucer’s time and probably for
many generations beyond. There was a family coat of arms, as all
notable families had. Just which one of the race first came to
America is not quite certain. It is supposed, however, that Hugh
Crooker, merchant of Exeter, England, was the English emigrant
ancestor of those of that name in Norway and Paris. He died in
Mass, in 1660, leaving three sons, Hugh, William and Francis.
“Francis married Mary Grant of Barnstable in 1647. The descend¬
ants of this branch are very numerous and are located all over the
United States.” Jonathan of Marshfield was probably his grandson.
Calvin, one of his children, b. about 1748, m. Chloe Gardner, Nov.
25, 1773. He was probably a Rev. Sol. He removed to Yarmouth
and died there. Calvin Jr. came to Norway about 1796. He was
here with his family — one male besides himself — when census of
1800 was taken. The name on census list was Crocker. He early
removed to Paris. He enlisted in the War of 1812-15, and d. in N.
Y. from typhoid fever. Calvin. 3d, b. Paris about 1801, m. Lydia, dau.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
385
of Lieut. Isaac Thayer, a Rev. Sol., b. Buckfield, 1802. Of their eight
children, James Orlando, the 7th, b. Paris in the vicinity of Streaked
Mt., Dec. 4, 1841, m. Adelia A. Higgins, b. Norway, May 12, 1844.
He was in the hardware business here for many years, a leading citi¬
zen, member of the board of selectmen, etc. He d. June 25, 1918.
Wid. d. 1923—2 ch :
I. Estelle A., b. Feb. 21, 1867; m. Frank E. Bell. He d. Portland
where he was in business, Dec. 25, 1912. Mrs. Bell resides
(1922) in Norway — no ch.
II. Ella Higgins, b. May 1, 1868; d. Oct. 10, 1886.
Joel T. Crooker, son of Calvin 3d, b. June 1834, m. Mary
Matthews of Paris, b. Sept. 1, 1833. He was a stable keeper and horse
dealer for many years. Served a period as deputy sheriff. He d. in
Mass. Dec. 6j, 1900. His w. d. Mar. 3, 1889; buried in Pine Grove.
3 ch.: Wallace W., b. Mar. 1859; d. Nov. 5, 1860; Gertrude, b.
July 1864, d. Mar. 3, 1865; Cora E. m. Walter S. Abbott, who d. Dec.
23, 1887, “aged 43;” she d. Mar. 22, 1898, “aged 41;” ch., Eugene, b.
Jan. 1900, d. July 30, 1901. John B., another son of Calvin Crooker,
b. 1836, m. 1, Eliza A. Matthews, d. Aug. 24, 1867; 2, Laura
Merrill. For many years he was a blacksmith at Steep Falls. He d.
June 8, 1898. Wid. lives with daughter in Auburn — ch: three,
last by 2d wife. Addie A. and Eugene, d. young; Charles d. in Mass,
unm., Jan. 30, 1909, and Carrie m. Elmer Russell; 3 ch.: Eugene O.
resides in Yarmouth, is married and has one child; Agnes M. m.
Joseph H. Jewett, Spanish War soldier. He d. from disability con¬
tracted in the service; widow has a pension. Iva E. m. Fred W.
Rowell and lives in Bangor; Edna m. a Knight, res. Lisbon Falls;
Rose m. Howard Strout of Auburn; Nellie m. John Suitor of Auburn.
Job B. Crooker of another family, b. Jan. 9, 1820, m. Mary Monk.
He came to Norway in the sixties. For many years he was a mill-
man at Steep Falls. He d. Nov. 5, 1893. His wid. d. Dec. 4, 1902,
aged 81 yrs. 2 mos. — ch. :
I. Clara, m. 1, Wm. Jordan, 2, John Walker. She d. a short time
ago; 1 ch. by 1st husband, Gertie, m. Fred D. Hosmer and
has one ch., Paul F., b. Oct. 30, 1898, m. Mildred E. Noyes.
He served in the World War. Has position in P. O.
II. Melvin, m. Henry Burgess of Paris.
III. Mary Ellen, m. Horace Pike.
IV. Mercy Ann, res. unm. on the old homestead.
V. Abby, m. Josiah Linnell of Otisfield.
VI. Sarah, res. unm. in Auburn.
VII. Alice, m. John Neal of Auburn.
Cross.
The origin of the family name of Cross was given to one who
dwelt by a wayside cross, a religious shrine, a market cross or near
cross-roads.
The market crosses were erected as stands for itinerant preach¬
ers, and were surmounted with crosses. The first memorial crosses
reported were those erectetd by King Edward I of England in 1290,
in memory of his deceased wife, Eleanor, which were set up at the
places where the funeral procession rested on the way to Westminster
386
HISTORY OF NORWAY
where she was to be buried. One of them (at Waltham) was pre¬
served for over 600 years and may still be in existence. At St.
Paul’s Cross, London, by decree of King Henry VIII, sermons were
delivered favoring the Reformation. Here Queen Elizabeth and a
great congregation of the nobles and gentry of the city gathered one
thanksgiving day to hear a sermon preached to arouse the people, to
defend their country against the threatened attack of the Spanish
Armada.
Rev. William Henry Cross, a Baptist preacher, b. Hiram, abt.
1810, settled in northern New York in the late thirties where several
of his large family of children were born. He was twice married.
He early espoused the anti-slavery and temperance causes and
entered heartily into the old Liberty party movement and on its
demise, became a member of the Free Soil party. He lived fiist on
the Saranac river in Clinton County, but later removed into Essex
County in the region where Gerritt Smith, the noted abolitionist, had
acquired a very large tract of land among the hills and mountains of
the Adirondacks, where fugitive slaves might find a temporary place
of abode — free from the baying of bloodhounds — till homes could
be provided for them across the St. Lawrence under the British flag.
Old John Brown of Harper’s Ferry fame, procured a lot of Smith
at North Elba, on which he built a rough habitation and from which
could be seen a view scarcely surpassed anywhere for its grandeur
and magnificence. Here beside a great boulder his remains m
accordance with his wishes repose. When John Brown went into that
region he found the Baptist preacher Cross stirring, up the people
against the wrongs and barbarism of slavery, and accepted him as
his chief worker there in the cause of freeing the slaves. Cross em¬
ployed runaway slaves to work on the farm and in making charcoal,
and exhibited a negro woman, in his appeals to the people, who boie
the marks of the cat-o-nine-tails and the teeth of ferocious dogs. A
great fire broke out in 1857 in the region where he lived, which de¬
stroyed not only the forest trees but also the vegetable mould on the
top of the ground — practically destroying the farm, and Cross re¬
turned to Maine. This probably saved the lives of two of his sons who
would no doubt, have been with John Brown at Harper’s Ferry, for
the father had often declared that when trouble arose between Free¬
dom and Slavery, he wanted every son of his to take part in it, and
when the Civil War broke out five of his sons— all that were old
enough— enlisted and went into the Union armies. They were
Moses, Aaron, Thaddeus, Solomon and John Brown — all Bible names
but one. Aaron was one of the body guard of Gen. John F. Rey¬
nolds, who was killed at Gettysburg. Thaddeus, b. at Saranac, N. Y.,
Apr 12 1845, enlisted at Saco, where he was apprenticed to learn
the carpenter’s trade, in Co. A of the 10th Me., Oct 2 1861, at 16
giving his age as 19. He served the whole period of his enlistment
and was in eleven battles and skirmishes and came out of them with¬
out a scratch and was never sick enough to be sent to the hospital for
treatment. He was captain of a militia company for a period after
the war and had the reputation of being one of the best drill masters
in the state. He came to Norway in 1886, from Bridgton, was supt.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
387
of the corn factory for many years and served as deputy sheriff for
some sixteen years. He had a leg amputated in 1916. Thaddeus
Cross m. in 1865, Georgianna Dodge of Bridgton. He d. 1923. 4 ch. :
I. Annie Geneva, b. Apr. 21, 1872; m. Allie L. Cook, a barber in
Norway village. 1 ch., Pearl Frances, a music teacher, b
Oct. 1, 1891; m. 1922, Scott L. Kilborn.
II. Ulysses Grant, b. July 26, 1875; d. B. Sept. 1895.
III. Mildred M., b. Apr. 15, 1878; m. 1, Thomas McCormick; 2, Wm.
L. Libby; 2 ch. by 1st hus. :
1 Roland Laughton, b. Dec. 21, 1899, graduate of Bowdoin. Medi¬
cal student (1922) at Louisville, Ky.
2 Edivard S., b. Jan. 11, 1902.
Cummings.
Isaac Cummings, the American immigrant ancestor, was one of
the early Puritan colonists who came from England in Governor
Endicott’s company and settled at Salem and vicinity in 1627. He
was born in 1601. He died May 22, 1677. The name of his wife is
not known. It is concluded, by her not being mentioned in his will,
she died before it was executed. He lived in Topsfield and was
deacon of the church there for many years. Isaac Cummings had
two sons and two daughters. Dea. Isaac 2, the second son, b. 1633,
m. 1659, Mary, dau. of Robert and Grace Andrews. She was b. 1638.
He served in the attack on the Narragansett Indians and was a
sergeant in King Phillip’s War. He had ten children: John 3, the
5th, b. June 7, 1666, m. 1688, Susannah, dau. of Joseph and Phebe
(Perkins) Towne, b. Dec. 24, 1670, and d. Sept. 13, 1766. He d. 1722.
They had nine children. David 4, the 4th -son, b. Apr. 5, 1698, m.
Anna - . She d. Feb. 9, 1741, leaving six children. He m.
2d, Sarah Goodhue of Ipswich. They had five children, the oldest of
whom was Jonathan 5, b. Oct 14, 1743. He was afterwards the
proprietor of the Cummings Purchases. His bro. Stephen, b. Jan.
27, 1745, “died after coming home from sea,” May 27, 1765. In
every generation since there has been a Stephen Cummings.
Jonathan Cummings was a soldier in the Revolution, and a black¬
smith by trade. He m. Mary, dau. of Job Eastman of Pembroke.
They settled in Andover. They had 11 children. She died July 26,
1801, “aged 59,” and he m. 2d, in 1802, Mrs. Mary (Lovejoy) Parker,
but had no children by her. He died in 1805, aged 62.
Maj. Jonathan 6, the oldest son and 4th child, came to the
tract his father had purchased and became the most influential man
in the region. He was b. in Andover, Feb. 15, 1771. He m. about
1802, Joanna, dau. of Col. Jedediah and Abigail Cobb of Gray. He
d. July 12, 1820, and his widow m. in 1823, Capt. Charles Barbour
of Gray, by whom she had two daughters. She d. June 30, 1844.
Ch—
I. Mary Holt, b. March 20, 1804, m. 1822, Dr. Josiah Little. She
d. in Minot, Oct. 6, 1829. 3 ch.
II. Eliza, b. Oct. 6, 1806; d. Oct. 22, 1808.
388
HISTORY OF NORWAY
III. Daniel, b. Aug. 18, 1810; m. 1843, Amanda Chellis, set. in Mo.
He d. in 1885, “Everybody’s friend.” 11 ch., one named for
Edward Little.
IV. Clarissa Ann, b. Aug. 20, 1815; d. Gray, Dec. 4, 1832, unm.
V. Lewis Ladd, b. Jan. 30, 1818. A civil engineer; d. Mar. 25, 1847.
ch. by 2d husband:
VI. Martha Maria, b. Sept. 27, 1824; m. Rev. Wm. P. Merrill of
VII. Abigail Reed, b. June 13, 1827; m. Wm. Deenng; s. m Chicago.
Amos Cummings, brother of the preceding, b. July 2, 1781; m.
1803, Abigail Judkins. He was an early settler on the tract pur¬
chased by his father, and was living in Norway on his farm in 1816.
He had at least two children, Stephen and Abiather. The family
strangely disappears from any mention in the town histories.
Dr. Stephen Cummings, b Andover Jan 12, 1773, m 1794,
Eleanor, dau of Ephraim and Sarah (Conant) Hale of Temple,
N. H. They settled in Waterford, where he was clerk of the Proprie¬
tors, and one of the prominent citizens there. He removed to Port¬
land, where he became distinguished as a physician and surgeon. His
wife d there May 31, 1824. He d in Cape Elizabeth, Mar 2, 1854,
aged 81. — 6 ch, 3 in W. and last 3 in P.
I Nathan, b Aug 20, 1796 m Emily Illsley of Portland
II Sarah, b July 15, 1798 m Chas. Bradley of Boston
III Dr. Sumner, b Apr 24, 1800; d unm. in P. Nov. 24, 1848.
IV Stephen, b Feb 4, 1803 m Frances Whitney
V John Moreland, b Mar 31, 1812, m Harriet Courser
VI Fitz Henry, b Feb 7, 1816, d unm July 26, 1837.
Stephen Cummings, son of the preceding, m Frances, dau of Wil¬
liam C. Whitney. They settled in Norway where he d in 1863.— 7 ch
I Wm. C., b Mar 2, 1826, m 1, Euphemia J. Bradbury, 2, Elvira
Judkins, wid d Feb 4, 1909 aged 66
II Sumner, b Apr 10, 1828
III Frances Ellen, b Jan 19, 1830 m Otis True
IV Stephen Henry, b June 2, 1832 m Mary L. Lonng. He d Nov
V Charles Bradley, b Dec 18, 1834; m Frances E. Staples
VI John Moreland, b Oct 15, 1840 m Elva A. Caldwell, d Apr 16,
1907, wid d July 14, 1908 — no ch.
VII Harriet Cushman, m Chas H. Tibbetts of Fryeburg. 2 ch,
Ellen, b Nov 14, 1870, Edith b Dec 15, 1872.
He d
II
III
IV
V
VI
He d
Charles B. Cummings m Jan 1, 1861 Frances E. Staples.
Jan 26, 1899. She d Apr 8, 1904. 6 ch:
I Charles Sumner b Jan 26, 1862 m 1886 Ella Haskell.
Mar 1897, she d July 9, 1888 — no ch.
Stephen B. b Apr 27, 1863 m 1887 Mattie M. Jordan.
Fred H. b Sept 24, 1866 m Cora B. Shedd— no ch.
George I. b Mar 31, 1869 m 1899 Inez M. Stuart.
Edwin S. b Oct 7, 1873 m 1899 Kate H. Elliott
Fannie W. b May 19, 1878 m Geo. H. Cullman. 2 ch., Henry C.
b Apr 27, 1906, and a dau b Mar 1905, d m infancy.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
389
Stephen B. Cummings, son of Charles Bradley m Mattie M. Jor¬
dan. — 3 ch.
1, Ruth, b Mar 6, 1896. She is well educated, proficient in music,
and a highly accomplished young lady. 2, Stephen Jordan, b Oct
16, 1903. 3, Dorothy H. b Sept 28, 1911 d Aug 10, 1920— a little
earthly angel.
George I. Cummings, bro. of Stephen B. m Inez M. dau of Albert
H. and Hannah (Hall) Stuart. She is a descendant of Mary, Queen
of Scotland. Was a successful school teacher, prior to marriage.
From the effects of an injury received while on a business trip to
Boston, he d Mar 4, 1914. She d Aug 9, 1921.— 2 ch: 1, Charles
Francis, b Feb 25, 1902, a student at Bowdoin Coll. 2, Julia, b Nov
19, 1906.
Edwin S. Cummings, bro of the preceding m Kate H. Elliott.
2 ch: 1, Elliott Staples, b Aug 28, 1912; 2, George Edwin, b May 9,
1918.
Elisha Cummings (Daniel, Joseph, John, Isaac, Isaac) b in Tops-
field, June 15, 1755 m Sept 26, 1778, Mary Dolly of Gray. Was a
Sol. in the Rev. and one of the founders of the Univ. Ch. So. in Nor.
Settled in Norway east of the Witt place about 1792. He d in Green¬
wood Oct 18, 1827. — 9 ch:
1, Betsey, b Jan 31, 1779 m 1816 Luke Owens ib in Ireland, a de¬
serter from an English ship; 2, Daniel, b July 5, 1780 m Abigail
Bartlett set. in Paris, lived on place afterwards Joe Tufts farm.
Their only ch Almira m Alvin Swift; 3, John, lb Apr 4, 1782, m
Martha Bartlett set. in Albany; 4, Polly, m Chas. Dolbier, set. in
Kingfield; 5, Abigail, m Noah Dean; 6, Ruth, m A. Lopez, s. in Free¬
man; 7, Urania, m Jacob Pike of Norway, b Mar 30, 1794, d Mar
15, 1847; 8, Lucretia, m Elijah Jordan, Jr., b Dec 18, 1802; 9, Char¬
lotte, b 1803, m Andrew Richardson of Greenwood.
Isaac Cummings, bro of the preceding b in Topsfield, Nov. 22,
1758 m 1781 Elizabeth Bryant b Dec 22, 1767. He was a Rev. Sol.
and one of the founders of the Univ. Ch. So. Came to Norway abt
1791 and set’d on the Lee’s Grant; d Oct 1, 1842, and bur at West
Poland with his wife, who d Feb 3, 1843 — 15 ch:
1, Elizabeth, b Sept 18, 1782, m Consider Fuller, Jr., b May 31,
1780. He d at W. Paris Mar 2, 1872. She d Sept 17, 1850; 2, Chloe,
b Oct 15, 1784, m Dr. James Merrill of Hebron. She d Sept 8, 1840;
3, Isaac, Jr. b Gray, Oct 31, 1786, m 1810 Betsey Shaw b June 26,
1789. Set. 1, on the Lee’s Grant, — d Dec 7, 1862; 4, George Williams,
b Nov 22, 1788, No. 4 Paris, m 1814 Lucy Pratt b July 17, 1797. He
was a settler on the Lee’s Grant in later Millett neighborhood, was
fifer in Capt. Bailey Bodwell’s Co. in 1812-15 war. He lived many
years in Hamlin’s Grant — d in Wis. June 11, 1870. His wife d in
Woodstock Dec 25, 1840; 5, Abigail, b 1790, d young; 6, Moses, b
No. 4 Aug 2, 1791, m Lydia Pratt, b Apr 15, 1801; 7, Mary W., b
Sept 22, 1793, m 1814 Timothy Welcome of Minot; 8, Abigail F., b
Jan 2, 1796, m A. Herrick of Poland, s. Wis.; 9, Daniel B., b Minot
Apr 23, 1798, m 1823 Lydia Bryant b Nov 8, 1803. Set. in Wood-
stock — d there May 6, 1869; she d Sept 18, 1842; 10, Lydia, b Dec. 7,
390
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1799, m Daniel Hussey of Windham; 11, Hannah, b Mar 9, 1802, m
John Buck, s on Hamlin’s Gore; 12, Solomon, b Apr 11, 1804, m
Cinderilla Lapham, b Aug 1, 1807, d Apr 15, 1826; 13, Lois M. b
June 19, 1806, m Joseph A. Herrick of Poland; 14, Joseph, b Norway
June 2, 1808, m 1827, Cinderilla (Lapham) Cummings; he d Aug.
15, 1856 — 5 ch b in Bethel; 15, Ruth, b Nov 5, 1810, m 1828 Stephen
Buck of Hamlin’s Grant.
DANIEL CUMMINGS
LYDIA CUMMINGS
Daniel Cummings, bro of the preceding, b Gray (1st white child
born there) Oct 6, 1766, m 1, 1789 Abigail Fletcher, b June 13, 1768;
2, Hannah Briggs. He d suddenly in G. Jan 29, 1827 — 9 ch: Daniel,
b Gray, Apr 16, 1791 m 1. Nancy Bird, b Sept 11, 1798; 2. Mrs. Lydia
Pratt Cummings, wid of Moses. He s. in S. E. section of Lee’s
Grant. His 1st wife d Nov 12, 1834. He d July 12, 1875; 2 w d
July 27, 1879, aged 76 — ch by 1st wife: 1, Louisa, b Jan 6, 1818, d
unm Nov 27, 1892 aged 72; 2, Elvira, b Apr 20, 1820 m 1848 Otis
Brooks; 3, Samuel Fessenden, b May 2, 1822, m 1844, Nancy B. Neal,
set. in N. H.; 4, Polly Bird, b Mar 21, 1824; 5, Nancy Bird, b Jan
20, 1826, m Eben H. Marshall; 6, Edwin, b Apr 15, 1828, d Oct 7,
1860, aged 32; 7, Levi Lincoln, b Nov 25, 1832, d Feb 1, 1834; by 2 w,
8, Daniel Lincoln, b Jan 9, 1837, m 1 Amanda Merrill, 2 Lucretia
Andrews; 9, Moses Orrington, b Feb 7, 1839, m Sarah S. Partridge;
10, Loren G. b Mar 25, 1844, d Aug 18, 1846.
Orrington M. Cummings, son of the preceding m Sarah S. Part¬
ridge, who d many years ago. Mr. Cummings moved to the village
where he had a livery stable on Danforth St. Was always very
popular with the traveling public — ch: Ida May b Aug 21, 1860, d
July 7, 1878 and Carrie E. b Jan. 15, 1865, m Thomas Thibodeau.
She d Apr 29, 1894, leaving 4 ch: Irving, Earl, May and Tessa.
Archie d in infancy.
David B. Cummings, a younger son of Daniel b Gray, July 22,
1817, m 1846, Mary A. Swett, he d in G. Feb 19, 1896 — 8 ch : 1, James
L. b Sept 7, 1848 m Margaret M. Nettles; 2, Martha W. b May 14,
1849, d Oct 24, 1876; 3, Susan S. b Dec 6, 1850, m Lewis J. Frink;
HISTORY OF NORWAY
391
4, Llewellyn D. b Mar 15, 1853, m 1878 Fanny Libby; she d Nov 28,
1892 — 3 ch: Herman L. b Jan 7, 1880, Eugene Ray, b Feb 22, 1882
and Harry M. b Sept 5, 1885; 5, Eleanor F. b Oct. 20, 1856, m 1877
Adna A. Keene; 6, Charles L. b Jan. 15, 1859; 7, Thirza A. b Jan.
29, 1861, m 1880, Fred A. Lovejoy; 8, Hattie M. b May 13, 1864, d
Dec 28, 1886.
Curtis
Francis Curtis, probably the first of the race in N. E. was at
Plymouth in 1671 when he m Hannah Smith. They had John, Ben¬
jamin, Francis Elizabeth, Elisha and Ebenezer. Ebenezer m 1710
Mary Tinkham and had Jacob, Caleb, Mary and Sarah. His wife d
and he m 2 Martha Doughty and had Eunice, Martha and Seth, b
1727. Noah of Pembroke, perhaps son of Seth, b Plymouth, Aug
17, 1750, m 1781 Deborah dau of Seth and Ruth (Morton) Luce b on
Cape Cod, May 25, 1757. He was a Rev. Sol.; came to Norway in
1797 (when census of 1800 was taken had eight in his family). He
settled on the Lee’s Grant, but in a few years after he removed to
the southern part of Woodstock where he died. Three generations
of his descendants lived on the old homestead — 6 ch :
1, Morton, b Apr 8, 1782, m 1, Dorcas Young, 2, Polly Barrows.
5 ch: Seth, Deborah, Crosby (lived to be over 94), Daniel and Ransel.
2, Rachel, b May 13, 1784 m Josiah Churchill, 5 ch: Ezra, Levi,
Daniel, Nancy, m Demeric Swan of Buckfield, son of Gideon, Maria
B. m Demeric Swan (perhaps other children). 3, Noah, Jr., b Nov
27, 1786, m Abigail Tuell. 4, Seth, b March 17, 1790 m Sally Davis,
4 ch: Adoniram, Lorenda, Eliza J. and Nehemiah, a Baptist
preacher. 5, Charles, b Oct 22, 1792, m Jane Deering, 7 ch: Eve¬
lina, John D., Charles, Mary J., Noah, Mark and Eunice. 6, Daniel,
b Apr 23, 1798, m 1 Clarissa Chase, 2 Charlotte Estes; 4 ch: Ed¬
mund, Isaac, Matilda and Ruth. Noah Jr. changed farms with David
Dudley of Paris in 1823. He d Paris Mar 23, 1858; wid d July 20,
1858 — 8 ch: Mahala m Gilbert Dudley, William m Marcella Swift,
Alonzo d unm, Columbia m Joshua Crockett, Kingsbury m Sophia
Young, Amanda d young, Augusta m Ansel G. Dudley, Chas H. m
Lydia M. Tuell.
William, 2 child of Noah, Jr., b June 8, 1811 m Marcella, dau
of Caleb Swift, b May 28, 1812 — 4 ch: Isabella A. m Wallace Mitchell,
Marietta A. m Caleb Fuller, Alvah, and William Eugene, b July 1843,
m Cynthia A. Warner; she d about 1887 and he married 2 Georgia
A. Gage — 3 ch by 1 w :
I Alton L. b No. Paris, May 3, 1868, m Cordelia A. Swett; he is
agent of Can. Ex. Co., since 1909; 3 ch: 1, John Eugene, b Dec 13,
1893, went to Australia; enlisted from there in World War; missing
in great battle in France, June 1, 1918. 2, George Leon, b Dec 24,
1900. 3, Hosea A. b Sept 14, 1908. She m 2, Hosea A. McKay, 1 ch
by 2 hus, Helen E. b June 8, 1914. II George Leon, b No. Paris,
Aug 19, 1870, m Nellie M. Smith of So. Paris, b Portland, Aug 13,
J872; l’ch: Mildred Idell, b Norway, Mar 14, 1897. Ill Phineas W .
b Jan 1, 1873, m 1, 1906 Lucinda Spiller, d Mar 13, 1909, aged 24;
2 Ruth Kneeland — 5 ch: George Arthur, b Jan. 15, 1913; Casper
392
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Eugene, b Feb 26, 1914; Leroy Linwood, b June 24, 1915; Gordon
Elmore, b Sept 12, 1916; Calvin Phineas, b Mar 15, 1919.
Guy L. Curtis of another family, m Feb 1895, Lula E. Herrick.
He is a thrifty farmer, living near Noble’s Corner — ch: Clara Elea¬
nor, b June 6, 1914, d July 27, 1917.
Cushman
Robert Cushman, b England, between 1580 and 1585, is the an¬
cestor of the Cushmans of New England. He was one of the prin¬
cipal men of the Pilgrim band, and chief promotors of the emigration
to the New World in 1620. He came over with his son, Thomas, a
boy of fourteen years of age, in the Fortune in Nov. 1621. He re¬
turned to England in the interest of the colony, the next month,
leaving Thomas behind in the care of Gov. Wm. Bradford. He d
early in 1625. No mention is anywhere made of name of wife, date
of her death or of any other children except Thomas. He m Mary
dau of Isaac Allerton, one of the Pilgrim Fathers. She was said to
have been 11 years old, the year they landed in this country. She
survived all of them, dying in 1699. Thomas Cushman became the
Ruling Elder of the Church after William Brewster’s death and
served for over 40 years. He d Dec 11, 1691, aged nearly 84. He
left four sons and two daughters. One of the sons, Isaac was a
preacher and might have succeeded his father had he so chosen.
Thomas the oldest son, b Sept 10, 1637 m 1664 Ruth, dau of John
Howland the Pilgrim. He d Aug 23, 1726 at Plymouth aged 89—
5 ch: Benjamin, the youngest b Feb 1691, m Sarah Eaton in 1758.
A complaint was made to the Church that he was neglecting the
communion etc. At the same time he made a complaint against Dea
Sam’l Bryant. After a hearing it was decided that Benjamin should
confess, “and thus render Christian satisfaction for his offenses.”
He refused. Five years afterwards, the same thing occurred with
the same result. Cushman’s answer to the committee report was
that “the devils in hell could not treat him worse than the church
(at Plympton) had.” He was publicly admonished in Nov. of that
year. Seven years after, the affair was amicably adjusted, and he
was restored to good fellowship. This was three days before his
death— 10 ch: Caleb, the 2 ch b May 15, 1715 m 1742 Sarah Barrows
and settl’d in Carver, Mass., and had 10 ch. Two of their sons,
Caleb Jr. and Gideon settl’d in Shephardsfield (Hebron) after the
War of the Revolution in which they had served. Caleb Jr. b July
1757 m 1784 Charlotte Packard. He d Jan 17, 1835. She d Sept
20 1820 _ 13 ch — Caleb the 4th ch b Apr 26, 1791 m 1813 Betsey E.
Bumpus and settl’d in Norway — 7ch: 1, Charles b Mar 24, 1814 m
1849 Lydia Evans; 2, Salmon b Mar 2, 1817 m 1845 Abigail Hill; 3,
Charlotte b Mar 1820 m 1844 Samuel P. Frost; 4, Elvira b Mar 20,
1823 m 1844 Wilson Hill; 5, Beza b Oct 11, 1826; 6, Ansel H. b May
29, 1829, m Esther M. Holden; 7, Bethany Evelina b Aug 31, 1832 m
1854 Ceylon Watson.
Ansel H. Cushman m Esther M. Holden b June 20, 1841. They
lived in the s w part of the town on Frost Hill road and near the
old county road into Waterford. He was a thrifty farmer and a good
HISTORY OF NORWAY
393
citizen. He d Mar 5, 1911; wid d Oct 19, 1921 — 5 ch: 1, Etta F.
b May 16, 1862 m 1885 Arthur W. Norseworthy b England 1862. His
mother having died and his father having m a 2nd w, he came to
Boston when a young boy in care of the captain of the vessel he
was on. His half-bro, George C. Norseworthy was then living at
Lynn. They both came to Norway when the shoe factory was estab¬
lished here. He d June 1, 1911 “aged 49;” wid remains unm; 1 ch,
Beryl May d in infancy. 2, Emma F. b Feb 27, 1864 m Walter S.
Stearns; 3, Llewellyn H. b Dec 2, 1866 m Gertie M. Bennett. She
d Dec 22, 1894, m 2 Grace K. Nevers. Truckman and coal dealer.
1 ch, Marita Nevers b Aug 4, 1908; 4, Lizzie M. b Nov 2, 1874 m
John W. Lasselle, 1 ch, Ethelyn; 5, Ina J. b Feb 23, 1881 m Giles
Frost, 1 ch, Marguerite.
Danforth
Nicholas Danforth 1 b 1586 emigrated from Framingham,
England to Cambridge, Mass, in 1634 with a family of six children —
three boys and three girls. His w Elizabeth, a dau of Rev. William
Symms of Canterbury had died five years before. Nicholas was a
man of ability and worth, for he was mentioned in high terms of
praise by Cotton Mather in his Magnalia in which he states that
King Charles I had offered him knighthood which was declined. He
served as a representative in the Gen Court at Boston in 1635 and d
in 1638.
Capt. Jonathan 2, the youngest son, b Mar 2, 1628, set’d in
Billerica and m Elizabeth Pouler, who d Oct 7, 1689 and he m 2
Esther Champney of Cambridge. He was town dlerk, sel, rep to the
Gen Court, and land surveyor. He d in the autumn of 1712. His
wid d Apr 5, 1713. Of his 11 eh, all by 1 wife, was Ensign Jonathan
3, b Feb 18, 1659, m Rebecca Parker of Chelmsford, b May 29, 1661.
He d Jan 17, 1711, wid m Joseph Foster. She d Mar 25, 1754 — 9 ch:
Samuel 4, the 5th child b Sept 16, 1692 m Dorothy Shedd b Jan 14,
1692. He was a soldier in the Narragansett Indian War and d
about 1749; wid survived him; 12 ch. Joseph 5, the 4th child b June
30, 1720, removed to Dunstable now Tyngsboro and m Mary A. Rich¬
ardson b May 26, 1722. He d Mar 30, 1795. She d Dec 1, 1789;
7 ch. Josiah 6, the 5th child prob a Minute Man in the early days
of the Rev (as was his bro Joseph) was b Jan 8, 1757 and m Sarah
Blodgett b 1755. He was prominent in town affairs, a justice of
the peace, and lived on the old homestead. He d May 8, 1838; wid
d in 1842; 10 ch\ The 9th ch was Dr. Asa, b Tyngsboro, Aug 18,
1795 m Dec 1824 Abigail C. dau of William Reed. Dr. Danforth
grad at Dartmouth in 1820 and soon after settled in Norway, where
he was in the practice of his profession for about 60 years. His
wife d Dec 8, 1874. He d June 16, 1883 — 8 ch: the youngest, Asa,
d Nov 27, 1846, aged 5.
I William Reed b June 6, 1826 m Persis Bailey, 2 Ellen Tabor
and settled at N. Stratford, N. H. 1st w d Jan 24, 1872. He d Aug
12, 1895. Wid d Sept 17, 1898. All bur in Pine Grove — ch by 1st
w Wm. Reed b July 29, 1867. II Josiah, b Sept 26, 1827 set’d at
Council Bluffs. He d unm there Dec 16, 1898. Ill Joseph Henry
394
HISTORY OF NORWAY
FRANCIS A. DANFORTH
CHAS. H. DANFORTH
DR. ASA DANFORTH
S. ADNAH DANFORTH
ABIGAIL C. DANFORTH
HISTORY OF NORWAY
395
b Apr 8, 1829 m Drusilla R. Wiley of Fryeburg, set’d at N. Stratford
lumberman merchant, P M. He d Sept 29, 1890. Wid survived
him 3 ch: 1, O. Henry b June 19, 1858, m Annie Gray of Oldtown—
ch. Joseph Harry and Herbert Gray. 2, Harley Hall, b May 13 1864
^nienno6 T?rant’ rGS Dorchester. Mass.; ch: Pauline E., b July 15*
1896. 3, Drusilla May b Nov 3, 1872, d Aug 31, 1884 IV Sarah
****** T*» ». 1831, m Jan 1, Clark Phillips True of Burke*
nt-’ SldoJu y 17 : 1894' V Francls Augustus, b Apr 14, 1833, m
Dec 1860 Susan A. Tenney b June 19, 1842. Sue business man
/iro^\nentA 1^town affairs, etc. He d Oct 13, 1917. Wid survives
(1923). Author much indebted to her for valuable material for this
^lSzrryr~j° C5,* VI J°hn’ b Dec 9’ 1834> m Minnie Kilday b Dec
^ at C?UnCl1 Bluffs’ Ia- May 5’ 1897’ Vn James, b Oct 10,
1839 m Mary L. dau of Chas. H. and Diantha L. (Frost) Haskell
b May 1, 1854, d May 30, 1903— m 2. Alice R. (Kimball) Woodsum-
he d Oct 3, 1916; she has one child by 1. hus, Walter E. b Jan. 24’
1877 m Edith Manson; in U. S. Govt serv. on Panama Canal Zone’
2 ch: Clyde M. b May 12, 1909 and Alice E. b Dec 5, 1911.
1, Charles H., b Nov 30, 1883, m Florence Garrison of Wilkesbarre,
Pa. Has position in Leland Stanford Univ; res Palo Alto, Calif _ 3
ch: Gharles G. b Sept 25, 1915, Alan H. b Nov 11, 1917 and Donald
R. b Feb 2, 1922; 2 Annie L. b May 12, 1888 m Clinton J. Masseck of
W. Somerville, Mass.— ch: Ruth, b Jan 28, 1914; 3, Sarah A., b Mar
5, 1890 m 1910 Dr. Walter J. Avery, res Fresno, Cal— ch: Jean, b
July 5, 1918; 4, Francis Asa, b Feb 16, 1892 m and is a druggist,
set’d in St. Louis, Mo. — 2 ch: Francis J., b Aug 31, 1915 and
Dorothy A.
Decoster
The Decosters of Hebron, Buckfield and Norway trace their an¬
cestry to a French marquis who was a Huguenot refugee on account
of the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. He fled to England. Sev¬
eral of his sons or grandsons came to New England.
Anthony was at Plymouth in 1723. His wife’s name was Joanna.
Their children were Robert, Jacob, Margaret and probably others.
Jacob m 1745 Elizabeth, dau of John Cole. Jacob prob son of
Jacob and Elizabeth Decoster settled in Bridgewater. He was on a
vessel as a sailor engaged in the coasting trade at Charleston, S. C.,
when the news of the battles of Lexington and Concord was received
there, and this caused the agent of the ship owners to order an in¬
definite detainment, for fear that it might be captured by British
cruisers and confiscated. So Decoster started overland on foot for
his home in Bridgewater. Tradition states that he was nearly two
months on the way. Jacob Decoster was probably a Rev Sol. He m
Priscilla Rogers, a descendant of Rev. John Rogers the martyr of
Smithfield, who was burnt at the stake for his religious convictions.
He was one of the ablest of the preachers and writers of his day, and
had more to do than any other man in the translation of the
Matthews’ edition of the English Bible. To be descended from him
is a greater inheritance than to be descended from any king except
King Alfred the Great, who saved the English nation and the English
396
HISTORY OF NORWAY
language from perishing from the earth. Jacob Decoster and his
wife, Priscilla Rogers, came to Hebron from Bridgewater in 1786 and
setl’d on a farm on the Buckfield-West Minot road, which is still
called “The Decoster Farm.” Frederick H. Decoster, now living in
Norway, while on a visit to Mass, some years ago had the old home
of Jacob Decoster up on an elevated tract of land in Brockton, for¬
merly a part of Bridgewater, pointed out to him. Jacob d in Hebron,
Aug 4, 1830 “aged 84,” and his wife May 1, 1830 “aged 79.” They
were buried in the old burying ground in the vicinity on the road
mentioned. It has been neglected by the people living there and is
grown up to quite large trees. The oldest of their ch, Jacob b Bridge-
water May 27, 1774, m Dec 1801 Susan Morse. They setl’d in the
neighborhood on what was later called the Ira Page place. She d
in Jan 1841 and he in July 1842. Their ashes probably repose in
the old burying ground. They had 9 ch: Howard the 4th b Oct 19,
1806 m Mary Ann, dau of Jared M. and Sarah (Stevens) Buck and
grandson of Peter Buck, the first settler of the name in Norway.
She was b June 19, 1814. They setl’d in Greenwood and afterwards
removed to Paris. She d Mar 19, 1865 “aged 50 yrs. 9 mos.” He d
in Buckfield Aug 17, 1881. Buried in Porter neighborhood, Paris.
Of their 10 ch Frederick Howard b Jan 19, 1852 m Martha W. dau of
Otis and Martha (Dudley) Bicknell b Aug 20, 1847, d May 3, 1895.
Frederick H. Decoster setl’d first in Buckfield at the foot of John
Buck Hill on what is now the Bradbury place, but removed to Elm
Hill in Paris in 1893. He came to Norway in 1911 — 5 ch — two d in
infancy. I Frank E. b Apr 29, 1876 m Maud A. Frost. He was a
sol in the Spanish War. Appointed P. M. at Norway Vil. in 1914.
Served over eight years— 3 ch: 1, Adeline M., fo Oct 3, 1900; 2, Carroll
R. b June 19, 1905; 3, Howard O. b June 30, 1908. Ill Lizzie b Aug
11, 1880, d Oct 30, 1914 “aged 34.” IV William B. b June 20, 1881,
m Carrie Foster, 2. Hazel Foster, dau of Will Foster of Paris. He
lives on the old homestead on Elm Hill. 1 ch by 2. w, Shirley, b 1911.
Clarence L. Decoster, son of Solomon Thurston, grandson of Solo-
man of Minot and great-grandson of Jacob Jr. m Belle Teague. He
is a tin-man, having been in the business for many years 2 ch .
Addie Florence m Prince William Steward, a composer in the Ad¬
vertiser office, and Claribel m George L. Sanborn.
Deering
George Deering, the English emigrant ancestor of the Maine
Deerings, was an early settler in Scarboro and owned land at Black
Point in 1640. He was a shipwright. After his death his widow
Elizabeth m Joseph Bailey an agent of Robert Trelawney, a great
and noted land owner at Richmond’s Island and on Cape Elizabeth.
Roger 2nd son of the ancestor, had a son Roger 3rd, who had a
son Thomas 4th. John 5th the next in line of descent m Mary
Jameson. They setl’d on Elm Hill in Paris and are buried there.
He d July 26, 1845 (aged 84). His w d May 29, 1841 (aged 77).
John 6th b 1784 m Nancy Newhall of Sterling, Mass. He was a con¬
tractor and builder and came to Norway in 1836 and bought the
Ordway place on Main St. Deering St., probably laid out while
HISTORY OF NORWAY
397
he lived here, was named for him. He moved to Portland a few
years before the Civil War and d there Sept 27, 1869 “aged 85.” Wid
d May 31, 1870 “aged 77” — 9 ch, two of whom, Cynthia and Eliza¬
beth d in infancy. 1, Wm. H., b in Paris Oct 25, 1811, was a lawyer—
setl’d in New Orleans, La.; 2, Hiram W. b Apr 5, 1813 m Elizabeth C.
dau of Wm. Reed — was a merchant in Portland; 3, Alvin, b June 13,
1815 m Margaret G. Nason of Hollis. Was a merchant in Portland.
(It is said that Judge John P. Deering of Saco is the son or grandson
of Hiram W. or Alvin Deering.) 5, James, b 1820 was a merchant;
m Kate L. Morrison; setl’d in New Orleans; 7, John Kendall, b 1824
was a preacher; m Lydia P. Prescott; setl’d in Ohio; Anna, b 1826
and Susan N., b 1828, went to Mich.
Delano
Azro E. Delano b E. Boston Dec 6, 1849 m 1875 Emily Francis
dau of William Bickford and Rebecca C. (Gurney) Upton b Oct 4,
1850. He d in Norway Mar 23, 1894, they having moved to Norway
from Rumford in 1844. Wid married 1904 Capt. Joseph S. Knower,
a Civil War sol who d Jan 1, 1916. She resides (1922) in Dorches¬
ter, Mass.
Azro Emery Delano was 9th in descent from Philip De La Noye,
the Pilgrim who came to Mass from Leyden, Holland, in the Fortune
in 1621. He was the son of Jean and Marie de Launay and was bap¬
tized in the Walloon church in Leyden in 1603. He m Esther Dews¬
bury of Duxbury, and d in Bridgewater abt 1681. Of their children
was Dr. Thomas b 1642 who m Mary, dau of John and Priscilla
(Mullens) Alden. Jonathan, 3, b 1676 m Hannah Doten, d 1765,
John 4, b 1699, m Sarah Cole, d 1744, Zebedee 5, b 1727, Jabez 6, b
1760, d 1848, William 7, b 1794, d 1876, William E., b 1823, d 1902,
Azro E., son of Wm. E. and Emily (Upton) Delano had 6 ch:
1, William Azro, b Stoneham, Mass. Aug 8, 1876 m 1904 Bessie
dau of Frank P. Towne. She d Aug 7, 1917 and he m June, 1920
Sybil M. dau of Geo. H. Witt; 2, Arthur Hastings, b Rumford, Mar
20, 1879 m Dec 1913 Edna Harriet, dau of Dr. Charles A. Stephens.
He is a teacher in the Boston Eng. High Sch — res Dorchester, Mass —
child, Charles Stephens, b Boston May 26, 1915; 3, Mary Kneeland,
b Rumford May 14, 1881 d Dorchester 1910; 4, Vinton Emery, b
Rumford June 1, 1883 m Nov 1910 Natalie S. dau of Geo. H. Witt,
merchant — res Dorchester — ch, George Witt b Dec 30, 1912; 5, Car-
roll Lee, b Norway May 30, 1885 m June 1905 Kate M. dau of Frank
P. Towne, farmer. Lives in Yagger — ch, Don Albert, b Sept 2, 1906.
He d Nov 9, 1923; 6, Harriet Aurelia, b Mar 26, 1888 m June 1910
Leroy M. Rand — res Dorchester, Mass. 2 ch, Wm. Edward, b July
25, 1911 and Leroy M. Jr., b Mar 30, 1914.
Denison
Lucius, Adna C., Isaac A. and Nancy C. Denison, who settled
in Norway, were children of Isaac and Electra (Newell) Denison, of
Burke, Vt. Isaac, the father, was b Stonington, Conn. Apr 23, 1778
and his wife in Farmington, Conn. Sept 10, 1780. He d in Norway,
Jan 9, 1867. She d in Burke, Aug 22, 1870. They had 11 ch. Nancy
398
HISTORY OF NORWAY
C. was the oldest b Sept 25, 1799 m Titus O. Brown, Jr., (2 wife).
They had 7 children. Rosalia Denison, 3rd ch b 1832 m Hannibal
I. Kimball, who after the Civil War setl’d in Atlanta, Ga. He was
one of the ablest and most enterprising men who ever lived in Nor¬
way. Had he gone into the war, which his father’s family opposed,
he might have attained high station. He was director general
of the great cotton exposition held at Atlanta in 1881.
LUCIUS DENISON
Lucius, the oldest son of Isaac, b July 27, 1803, m Catherine
Bemis. She d Dec 11, 1841 and he m 2. 1842, Adaline C. Hobart, b
Jan 23, 1823. He d June 26, 1882. Wid d June 29, 1891 — 12 ch. 3
by 1st w. 1, Caroline M., b Sept 5, 1828 m Geo. W. Higgins; 2,
Elias B., b Feb 6, 1831 m Mary Thaxter; 3, Wm B., b Apr 20, 1833
m Eliza Kendall; 4, Kate S., b Oct 7, 1843 m Cyrus S. Tucker, d
Mar 14, 1875; 5, Ellen J., b Feb 7, 1846 m Amos L. Millett; 6,
Arthur E., b Dec 5, 1847 m Ida Wright. Grad Tufts Coll; in Capt
Cobb’s Co., 1. Cashier N. Nat Bank, mod at town meetings, lawyer
and fine speaker. Settled in Mass, d greatly lamented, May 19, 1910;
7, Alice E., b Nov 8, 1849 m Horace Cole; 8, Addie M., b June 27,
1853 m Charles G. Blake; 9, Emma M., b Nov 21, 1856 m Orville
W. Collins. Set’d in Mass; 10, Lucius H., b Feb 1858 m 1885
Emma Buder — res. Mass. 11, Herbert R., b June 5, 1863 m Cora
Dawes of Harrison; 12, Nathan N., b May 1, 1865 m and resides in
Mass.
Adna C. Denison, b Burke Nov 15, 1815 m 1838 Hannah, dau of
Thomas and Mary True of Sutton, Vt. He d at Mechanic Falls Aug
18, 1897. She d Mar 23, 1881 — 2 ch. 1, Adna T., b Sutton Sept 19, 1839
m Sarah Welch. She d Apr 21, 1864; m 2. Sarah W. Gunnison — 4 ch:
2 by 1 wife and 2 by 2. F. Wi»s, b Jan 16, 1864 and Ansel T., b
May 30 1869, Hannah A., b May 12, 1873 and Adna C. b Apr 12, 1875.
2, Frances Mary, b Jan 15, 1847 m 1866 C. M. Cram of New York
City. 2 ch. Agnes D. b Sept 2, 1870 and Frances W. b Oct 24, 1872.
Isaac A. Denison b June 18, 1820 m 1844 Laurestdne S. Bemis
of Lyndon, Vt. b Sept 17, 1825. He lived in Norway for 25 years
where he was a successful merchant, and removed to Mechanic Falls
HISTORY OF NORWAY
399
in 1875 where he was in trade to his death in 1911. Wid d 1915,
aged 90. 5 ch.— 2 of whom d young: 1, Hilda S., b Jan 22, 1845 m
Rev Webster Woodbury, d 1909; 4, Clara R., b July 14, 1854 m Rev
F. E. Emrick; 5, Katie L., b Mar 23, 1859.
Descoteau
Albert J. Descoteau, son of Joseph and Mary Descoteau of
Garthby Canada b Oct 17, 1864 m Florence M Gentille b Switzerland
Oct 1868. Her mother d many years ago and her father is still living
in the old country. He came to Norway from Lewiston 1895, —
bridge-mason, naturalized, a good citizen. 3 ch. — 1, Eugene A., b
Sept 9, 1897 m Carolyn E. Schoff b Sept 29, 1901, Sol in World War,
mail carrier since 1919; 2, Arthur C., b Oct 9, 1900, med student;
3, Ernest F., b Nov 15, 1902, clerk..
Dinsmore
About 1620 when the Pilgrims came to America the “Laird of
Ackenwead” Scotland, had two sons. John Dinsmore, the younger,
who had no hope of succeeding to his father’s estate and title, at
seventeen years of age, ran away and settled in the County of Antrim
near Londonerry, North Ireland. He married there and had four
sons. John, the oldest, emigrated to New England and set’d at Aga-
menticus (ancient York). He was taken captive by the Indians and
carried to Canada where tradition states he narrowly escaped being
burnt at the stake, but was finally released, and got back in some way
to his home. He removed to Londonderry, N. H., which was largely
settled with people from Londonderry, Ireland. He was a mason by
trade and having built a stone house sent for his famiy in Ireland. He
lived to be nearly 100 years old and “was greatly respected and
honored for his sound judgment, piety and moral worth.”
David Dinsmore, “a grandson of John,” purchased a farm in
Chester now Auburn, N. H. in 1747. He was the father of seven
children, Samuel, James, David, Thomas, Robert and Arthur, twins,
and Mary. The sons generally settled in Maine, the twin brothers
abt. 1792 near Anson. When the U. S. census of 1790 was taken,
David Jr. was in that part of Bakerstown, which is now Minot. Be¬
sides himself and his wife (Sarah Bradbury, b in 1751) there were
two males and five females. He enlisted as a seaman with Solomon
and John Parsons, of New Gloucester, on the vessel Vengeance, in the
disastrous expedition of the summer of 1779 against Fort George on
the Penobscot. It was one of a fleet of 19 armed ships with 344 guns.
“One more beautiful had never floated in Eastern waters,” but owing
to the incompetency of Commodore Richard Saltonstall, of New
Haven, Conn., the fleet was dispersed and destroyed and the expedi¬
tion proved to be the greatest disaster of the whole war. The seamen
and soldiers were ordered to shift for themselves and make their way
to their homes through the forests; some one hundred miles away, as
best they could, subsisting on what they were able to get to eat. The
Vengeance sailed up the Penobscot as far as what is now the City
of Bangor, where it was set on fire and burnt to prevent its falling
into the possession of the enemy. Probably the seamen saved some
400
HISTORY OF NORWAY
of the provisions before destroying the vessel, which was of great
help to them, on their tramp through the woods. The condition of
their clothing, however, from their tramp through a trackless forest,
crossing swamps and fording streams, must have been in tatters
when they reached home.
Both David Dinsmore and his wife, Sarah Bradbury, lived to be
aged and died near Minot Center. They had a large family of
children among whom was James, who married Betsey Verrill, dau
of Samuel Verrill, Jr., of Minot, who with his father had seen ser¬
vice in the War of the Rev. He lived to be nearly 90 years old, dying
in Vineland, N. J. For many years he had been a dea of the
Congregational church. His wife had d in Minot many years before.
JUDITH C. DINSMORE
ANSEL DINSMORE
MARY A. (DINSMORE) WHITMAN
They had 13 ch. — Ansel, the 2nd son, b on Bradbury Hill, in Minot,
Sept 26, 1815 m 1837, Judith C. dau of Nathan and Mary (Crockett)
Morse of Crockett Ridge, Norway, b Dec 24, 1817. They settled in
Norway near her old home. He was a carpenter and builder, and
was regarded as one of the most substantial citizens of the town.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
401
She d July 16, 1897, nearly 80 years old. He d Dec. 22, 1903, in his
89th year. 3 ch. — I. Charles Wesley, b Feb 23, 1839, m 1867, Carrie
Tee b in the Isle of Wight, Eng. Jan 17, 1847. He was a Sol in
the Civil War. Settled first in Illinois but returned to Maine in 1892
and d here July 3, 1912. She d Mar 21, 1918. 3 ch. : all b in
Geneseo, Ill. 1, Walter, b Nov 22, 1869, d Oct 12, 1907; 2, Nellie
Caroline, b Dec 1870 m Dr. John W. Haxby. 3 ch: John W. Jr.,
b Jan 15, 1896, m Helen E. Bramette. 2 ch. — John W., b Dec 31,
1920 and Richard James b Sept 11, 1923. He was in the Mexican
border patrol and in the Great World War. 2, Charles Dinsmore,
b July 21, 1901; Robert James, b April 25, 1904; 3, Jessie L., b
Jan 23, 1877, m Victor M. Whitman. II. Mary Adelaide, b May 18,
1848, m Chas. F Whitman; III, Horace Greeley, b Oct 25, 1855 m
Fanny Towne. He d July 14, 1919. 2 ch. : — 1, Regnal Stanford b
July 18, 1886, m Cora M. Dexter. 3 ch. : — Junetta Jean, b Dec 29,
1907, Olive Naomi, b Feb 2, 1910, and Regnal S. Jr., b July 12, 1912.
2, Rollin, b Aug 4, 1891, m 1915, Laura Belle Hill, of West Paris.
— no ch.
Downer
The Downers of New England trace their descent from Robert
of Wiltshire, Eng., who m Hannah Vincent, a French Huguenot, who
with her bro., a Protestant preacher, escaped from France and
went to Eng. where she m. Robert Downer. (The family derived its
name from the downs — sandy ridges in the S. of Eng.)
Robert and Hannah (Vincent) Downer had two sons, Robert and
Joseph 1 who came to Mass, abt 1656 and set’d at Newbury. Joseph m
1660 Mary Knight. Her father was John Knight, of Rowley, Hants,
Eng. who with wife, Elizabeth, and children came to N. E. in the
ship James of London of 300 tons with Wm. Cooper, master. John
Knight d in 1670 and his will was proved in Salem in June of that
year. Joseph Downer d about 1715. His wid. sur. him several
years. Their dau Sarah, b abt 1684, m Samuel Lothrop. (They
are ancestors of the writer.) Their son, Andrew, 2 b July 25, 1672,
m 1699, Susanna Huntington, of Amesbury, b Feb 4, 1674. Joseph
3 b abt 1712, m Abigail Merrill. Andrew 4 b Jan 7, 1734, m Sarah
Pike. John 5 b Apr 17, 1769, m Miriam Raynes, of New Gloucester,
where he had removed. He d Jan 2, 1833. Horatio B. 6 b 1821 m
Augusta C., dau of Capt James Bowker, of Buckfield, where she
was b Dec 1, 1822. He was a painter by trade. He enlisted in
Dec 1863, in Co. D. 1. Me. H. A. and was k. at Petersburg, Va. June
17, 1864, and was bur in Nat. Cem. there. His wid. was pensioned
and d Nov 11, 1885. 4 ch. : — I, Helen Grace, b Paris, Oct 2, 1847
m 1866 Wm. C. Cole. II, John P., b Auburn Nov 23, 1850 m
Christina Champlin. Ill, Lillian J., b Buckfield Apr 29, 1853 m
Dr. Calvin E. Evans, of Norway. He d Jan 7, 1887, and she m 2
Fred A. Cole. She d Nov 3, 1918. He d Dec 30, 1920. 1 ch by 1.
hus Eva, b May 19, 1884, d in infancy. IV, George H., b Aug
1861, d Dec 1, 1867.
402
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Doughty
Edward Dotey of London vicinity, a servant of Stephen Hopkins,
came over seas in the Mayflower in 1620. He was one of the signers
of the compact of government in the vessel’s cabin, Nov 21 or
Nov 11, O. S. prior to the landing on Cape Cod. He fought a duel
with his fellow servant, Edward Leister. Dotey m 1635 Faith
Clark and had a large family of ch. The family name seems to have
undergone some changes — Doughty and Doten being noteworthy.
Maj. Charles T. Doughty who m Jemima F. Young was an early
settler in that part of Greenwood, commonly called “Richardson Hol¬
low.” He was a descendant of Edward Dotey of the Pilgrim colony.
He was b Sept 25, 1808. His wife was b Jan 21, 1808. He d Oct
3, 1861. She d Feb 27, 1879. Of their ch was George W. b Dec 3,
1840, m Mary Elizabeth Dwinal, b June 15, 1844. He d in 1917. Wid
resides (1922) at West Paris. Thaxter B. one of their children b
Greenwood, Mar 10, 1872, m Eda L. Flint, b Jan 15, 1874. He lives
on the original Joel Stevens farm on the old county road. 3 ch. —
1, Mahlon Thaxter, b Feb 20, 1897, m Mrs. Florence (Wheeler)
McKeen. 2 ch. June Francis, by 1. hus and Freeda Leona by 2. hus
b Sept 1, 1921. 2, Leonard Washington, b May 3, 1900. 3, Fran¬
ces Evelyn, b June 5, 1912.
Drake
The Drakes of N. E. are descended from old English families
of that name in Kent and Devonshire. The father of Sir Francis,
the great navigator and sea fighter, was a yeoman who lived on the
banks of the Tavistock in the latter county, — principal port of which
was Plymouth. He was a Protestant and during the persecution
under the reign of “Bloody” Mary, he fled with his family to Kent.
He obtained some kind of a clerical position in one of the seaport
towns and his boys passed their youthful days among people who
depended on the sea for a living. Francis, the only one whose age
is given was b abt 1539. He created great havoc and destruction of
Spanish towns and Spanish merchant vessels, after he became a sea
rover, and amply punished the catholic power which had induced the
infamous English queen to burn her subjects at the stake for their
religious convictions. On one of Francis Drake’s return voyages
to Plymouth, laden with spoils in 1573, it happened to be on a Sunday
and when the news of his arrival spread among the people it is re¬
lated that those assembled at church left the preacher only part way
through his sermon and went to the wharves to greet their hero of
the seas. When he returned from his circumnavigation of the globe
in Sept 1579, Queen Elizabeth knighted him on board of his flagship.
He was granted a family coat of arms. It is uncertain from which
one of the twelve sons of the N. E. Drakes are descended.
Simeon Drake, a printer was b in New Hampton N. H. June 25,
1819. He entered a printing office in Concord at the age of 14 and
served seven years apprenticeship. He m in Franklin N. H. Martha
E. dau of Wm and Dorothy (Sanborn) Durgin. He worked after¬
wards in printing offices in Concord, Laconia, N. H. and Augusta,
Bridgton and Norway. He began here the publication of the
HISTORY OF NORWAY
403
Norway Advertiser, which he finally sold to Fred W. Sanborn. He d
Feb 7, 1895, after having been a practical printer for over half a
century. Wid d Dec 31, 1907. 6 ch.— I, Charles Matthews, b July
25, 1848, drowned at Laconia, N. H. Oct 8, 1854; II, Dr. Wm.
Abram, b Oct 22, 1849 m Rosalia M. Horne. He is a practicing
physician at N. Weymouth, Mass. They have one son, Dr. Wallace
Horne, a graduate of Dartmouth and Harvard Med Sch m Marian
White, (ch Robert Fred b June 21, 1922), res No Weymouth; III,
Dr. Fred Eugene b Aug 15, 1854 m Clara A. Hayden. In practice
of dentistry at Norway. 1 ch Amy d Aug 15, 1884, in her 5th year;
IV, Charles, b Jan 10, 1858 d Mar 24, 1862; V, Florence A., b
Apr 29, 1864, m Dr. Chas. E. Johnson, res. Portsmouth, N. H.;
VI, Ernest Winfred b Mar 3, 1870, d May 29, 1905.
Dunham
The name Dunham is supposed to mean a dweling or home on a
hill. The ancestral line in England can be traced back into the 13th
century. The line to Dea John, the American immigrant ancestor,
who came to Plymouth, Mass, in 1633, is as follows: — Richard 1294,
Robert, Robert, Gregory, Robert, John, 1471; Sir John Kislington, Sir
John Kislington, Ralph, Scrooby 1526, Thomas, Scrooby 1569, and
Dea John b at Scrooby, 1588. He was a member of the first Pilgrim
Church there, and the church at Leyden, Holland. His wife is said
to have been Abigail Barlow. They had 11 ch. John, Benaiah,
Jonathan, Daniel, Abigail, Persis, Samuel, Thomas, Benjamin, Joseph
and Hannah.
Daniel Dunham by 2d wife Hannah, had Hannah 1670 m Dea
Joseph Alden, grandson of John the Pilgrim. Joseph Dunham, son
of Dea John in 1657 m Mercy, dau of Nath’l Morton, son of George
Morton, the Pilgrim. Hannah Dunham, dau of Dea John m Giles
Rickard. The line to Asa Dunham the Rev Sol who setl’d in Nor¬
way, is: Dea John, Joseph m Mercy Morton, Eleazer m Bathsheba
Pratt, Israel of Plympton m Joanna Rickard, Sylvanus b 1714 m
Rebecca Crocker, Asa b 1759 m Lydia Cobb.
Asa and Lydia (Cobb) Dunham came to Rustfield very early and
set. in the vicinity of what is now Norway Lake vill. He was there
in time to be taxed in 1794. He had been a sol. in the war for Amer¬
ican Independence, and enlisting in Capt. Bailey Bodwell’s Norway
Co. in the war of 1812-15, d at Burlington, Vt. Oct 13, 1813, from
disease contracted in the service. The family afterwards removed
to Woodstock. 10 ch. — I, Susan, b Aug 24, 1786 d 1856 m Alex¬
ander Hill d 1830. They had 7 ch 2 b in Norway and 5 in Paris;
II, Lydia, b 1788, m 1809 Capt Jesse Howe; III, Asa, b 1790 m
Polly Cleaves; IV, Samuel, b Oct 30, 1794 m Maria Conant; V,
Chloe, b 1796 m Antepas Durell; VI, Sylvanus, b July 8, 1797 m
Esther Benson; VII, Betsey, b Nov 2, 1799 m Lewis Fuller; VIII,
Polly, b Nov 2, 1799 m Eld Gideon Perkins; IX, Daniel, b Sept 19,
1803 m 1. Mary Durrell, 2. Mrs. Smith; X, Joseph, b May 13, 1805 m
Pamelia Dow.
Elzear bro of Asa, b 1761 m Jane Bryant and set. in Paris. They
had 12 ch. — 'the 6th ch being named Alanson Mellen b Nov 29, 1805.
404
HISTORY OF NORWAY
He m 1. Christina Bent. 2. Mary A. Denison, an adopted ch in
the Denison family. Mr. Dunham set in Norway on the east side of
the lake. By his 2. w he had one ch, Alanson Mellen, b July 29, 1853
in 1875, Emma F. Richardson. They had one ch, Pearl, b 1877 m
Nathan A. Noble.
Dunn
Chas. Edwin Dunn, son of Elbridge Dunn, a Methodist preacher,
b Oxford, Apr 3, 1838, m Rose A. Pingree, of Norway, b Feb 25,
1838. He was a sol. from Oxford in Co. M. Me. H. A. and was
wounded in the Wilderness campaign of 1864 and discharged for
disability. He was lame for the rest of his life. After the war he
set. in Norway near the Chapel. For many years he was a nurse
and very useful in caring for the seriously sick. His wife d Dec 1,
1897. He d Mar 24, 1912. 9 ch. — Chester, Fred W., and Myrtie R.,
d in infancy. II, Ada R., b July 5, 1861 m Chas. E. Howe, set.
W. Medford. He d June 16, 1918. No ch. Ill, Virgil E., b Aug
10, 1864 m 1. Edith W. Marston, 2. 1915, Ethel F. Upton. Ser. on
bd. of sel. ch. James Owen; IV, Charles H., b June 29, 1866; m
Clara Brooks. Prosperous farmer. Ser. on bd of sel. 2 ch. : —
Virgil C. and Edwin B.; VII, Fred G., b Apr 23, 1876 m 1907, Rose
M. Sidelinger, of Union. 4 ch. (3 boys, 1 girl). On present bd. Sel.;
VIII, Willie E., b Jan 18, 1879, m and has a family in Ipswich,
Mass, d Mar 16, 1908; IX, Rose, b Mar 13, 1881 m 1900 Frank W.
Noyes.
George H. Dunn, son of Wm. H. of another family, is a prosper¬
ous farmer and business man. He has served in town office and is
one of our best citizens. For many years he owned and carried
on what was formerly known as the Bradbury farm, which he sold
in recent years and moved into the village. He built (1922) a fine
residence on the corner of Pleasant and Maple Sts. His wife was
Grace L. Woodsum. 2 ch. — George E. and Gertrude d young, greatly
lamented by all who knew them.
Elmer T. Dunn m Sarah E. Cunningham. 7 ch. — Clara G.;
Winifred E.; Bertram T.; Lottie S.; Martha E.; Elmer W.; and
Helen H.
Easton
Dr. Arthur W. Easton, grad No Bridgton Acad and Sch of
Dentistry, came here from Bridgton during the World War and
entered into partnership with Dr. Fred E. Drake, dentist. He en¬
listed in 1917 but did not go over to France as the conflict closed in
Nov 1918. He received an honorable discharge and resumed his
partnership with Dr. Drake. He is a very skillful dentist. He m
May 27, 1917 Miss Edith S. Parker of Norway. They have Eleanor
b Jan 20, 1920, Elizabeth b Nov 11, 1921 and Robert B. b in 1923.
Eastman
Roger W. Eastman, the ancestor of the race in N. E. b in Wales,
in 1611, set. in Salisbury, Mass, in 1640. Thomas 2 b 1646, m
Deborah Corliss and set in Haverhill. Jonathan 3 their only son, b
1683, m Hannah Green. Dea Richard 4 their 5th ch b Aug 1712, m
HISTORY OF NORWAY
405
Sara Abbott, and set in Fryeburg. He was ch of the first bd of sel
and many years dea of the Cong Ch there. From Fryeburg the
Eastmans spread into the adjoining towns and into N. H.
Raymond H. presumed to be of this branch of the race, was son
of Alfred A. and Olive P. (Chandler) Eastman and grandson of
Moses and Abby (Dresser) Eastman, of Stow, b there June 18,
1879. He came to Norway in 1899, employed by his brother-in-law,
Capt J. Waldo Nash, in the taxidermist business for many years, —
teller in Nat Bk Corp Assn, can for Regr. of Probate, Dec 1922, prop
of furniture store. Alice L. Eastman, sister of Raymond H. b Stow,
Jan 11, 1864 m 1884, Capt J. Waldo Nash, an officer of the Me. Mil.
and Lieut in the Spanish War, b Sweden, July 18, 1862, d Aug 26,
1919 — 1 ch: Bernice, a sweet singer, b Dec. 18, 1893, m 1918 Arthur
W. Hill of Gray.
Edwards
/
Jesse P. Edwards clerk and business man m Edith E. Ripley of
Paris. For a period he had a position in the mail service in the
vill. — ch. Gladys Irene b Apr 22, 1896 m 1916 Henry A. Russell, ch.
Gleason E. b May 24, 1919.
Evans
Richard Evans, a contractor and builder b Portland Oct 1, 1805
m 1829 Mary W. Hill b Aug 19, 1810 and came to Norway shortly
afterwards. He lived first in the Nash place on Pleasant St and
later in the Fred H. Cummings residence on Main St., he having, it
is believed, built both the original dwellings on these lots. He was
an upright citizen and a thoroughly good man. He d Oct 23, 1871.
Wid d Aug 11, 1878 — 9 ch: 1, Charles H., b July 5, 1830 m 1864 Alice
E. Leighton; 2, Mary W. b Feb. 8, 1832 m 1854 Chas. L. Webb;
3, Josiah H., b Aug 25, 1833 m 1861 Georgia Hale, d Nov 4, 1861;
4, Dr. Warren R., b Sept. 15, 1835 m 1866 Louisa D. Stetson, set’d in
Portland in practice of dentistry. He invented the Evans repeating
rifle; 5, Lizzie O., b Jan 26, 1839 d Aug 10, 1856; 6, G. Frank, b
Mar 10, 1842 m Elizabeth Jewett. Invented a plane for circular
surfaces. Lived at Mechanic Falls, removed to Mass.; 7, Wm.
Alfred, b Jan 16, 1845, enlisted from Mass, and was killed at Spott-
sylvania C. H. May 1864. Buried in family lot in Pine Grove; 8,
Ella M., b July 12, 1850 m Dr. Marcus F. Brooks. Living (1923) a
widow in Melrose, Mass.; 9, Winifred L., b Feb 6, 1853. Living unm
with sister in Melrose, Mass.
Everett
Peter Everett, b in France, emigrated to N. E. during the war
of the Rev. and on the way over the vessel he was on, was attacked
by a British war vessel and in the fight that ensued, Everett lost a
part of one arm. The French craft escaped. It has been said that
Everett had a pension, but if so, the writer ascertained that it was
not from the U. S. and must have been from France. He is said to
have come to Norway in 1789 and settled on a lot on the Cummings
Purchase near Jeremiah Hobbs’ at what was later Norway Center,
thinking it was on the Rust tract. Also that his wife, widow Susan
406
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Burns, taught the first woman’s school in the little settlement and
several summer schools thereafter in her own house, in Jonathan
Cummings’ (barn and in the first sohoolhouse built on Amos Hobbs’
lot. Everett’s house was afterwards moved to a lot west of the
Millett Hill which he cleared, doing a great amount of work with one
hand and stump of an arm. He planted medicinal herbs which flour¬
ished more or less abundantly for very many years after his death.
The census list for Rustfield in 1790 does not contain his name, but
that of 1800, does. His name was on neither of the tax lists of 1794
or 1798. He received his deed from Capt. Rust abt 1800. He d
March 27, 1821.
Peter Jr., b May 27, 1786 m Charlotte Parker. He d Apr 13,
1863. She d Jan 30, 1856 — 11 eh. Only the families of three of
their ch were living in Norway when the census was taken in 1850.
Alpha Bonney b Feb 1812 m Susan Burns. He d Apr 30, 1885.
Wife d July 16, 1877 — 6 ch: 1, Peter, b Apr 10, 1836 m Catherine
Campbell; 2, John Burns, b Dec 29, 1839; 3, Alfred Augustus, b Feb
24, 1841 m Abbie A. Holden; .4, Susanna, b Jan 1, 1844 m Sewell
Austin; 5, Elbridge G., b Mar 18, 1850; 6, Cornelia L., b July 12,
1852 m Geo. F. Sprague.
Alfred A. Everett who m Abbie A. Holden b Apr 16, 1850, had
10 ch: 1, Alfred A., b Mar 18, 1867 m Laura A. Smith — 1 ch, Jessie
H. ; 2, Eliza A., b June 20, 1869 m Clarence W. Merrill. They have
Geo. C., Ella H., and Ida E.; 3, Addie M., b Jan 14, 1872; 4, Almore
A., b Aug 29, 1874 m 1. Hattie Coyne; 2. Alice Crockett; 5, Hattie
A., b Apr 16, 1878 m Edwin S. Gammon; 6, Walter Eugene, b June
18, 1880 m Ida Mattor and has a family of children; 7, James E.,
b May 15, 1883 m Rosie A. Green and has a family of children; 8,
Lucinda M., b Dec 17, 1885 m Crockett Record; 9, Philip M., b May
I, 1889 m 1910 Gladys Fay Stone — 3 ch; 10, Erdine, b Dec 9, 1890
d in infancy.
George W., son of Peter Jr., b Apr 15, 1814 m Elizabeth Burns.
He was a farmer and lived in the s w part of the town near the
Crooked River. He d Sept 29, 1877 — 9 ch. Nearly all removed
elsewhere. Edwin M. Everett, b Feb 3, 1855 m 1879 Mary E. dau of
Abner F. Jackson, b Feb 24, 1856 d Mar 24, 1888. He m 2. 1899
Evelyn B. Allen.
Faunce
The family name in the olden times was called Fance and may
have been derived from Vance.
John 1, came to N. E. in the Anne or Little James, in 1623, and
was considered one of the Pilgrims. He m 1634 Patience, dau of
George Morton, who came with his family at the same time. She
was b 1615 and was only eight at the time of coming. John Faunce
d 1654, leaving a pitiful group of little orphans in poverty. Thomas
Southworth, while they stood weeping at the grave, took Thomas,
then seven years old, by the hand and leading him home brought him
up as his own son, as Gov. Bradford had done by him. He after¬
wards became a dea. and the ruling elder of the Pilgrim Church. He
d Feb 27, 1745 in his 99th year. He was the “discoverer” of Ply-
HISTORY OF NORWAY
407
mouth Rock. In 1741, he learned that Plymouth Rock — of whose
history and associations the community seemed to know but little —
was about to be covered by a new wharf, and thereupon rode from
his home three miles to the village, and having been reverently borne
to the spot in a large chair followed by a number of the people,
identified the rock, and proceeded to relate the account of the landing
upon it, as it had been told to him by the forefathers themselves;
then bedewing the relic with his tears he bade it a formal farewell.
The youngest child of John Faunce appears to have been Joseph,
2, b 1653; John 3, m 1705, Abigail, dau of John Bryant; Benjamin, 4
m Lydia Trufanit of Marshfield; Benjamin 5, b 1764 m Sabra dau of
Ezekiel Washburn; Benjamin, 6, b Dec 19, 1795, m Nancy dau of
Bildad and Lucy (Adams) Washburn b Kingston Feb 20, 1798. They
removed to Paris in 1821 into the vicinity of Streaked Mt. and after¬
wards to Norway. Benjamin Faunce was a devout member of the
Baptist Church and a respected citizen of the village. He had a
neighbor here who was a Univ., opinionated and inclined to contro¬
versy and argument. Faunce did not like it. It is related that on a
certain occasion the neighbor made some pointed statement about the
Bapt. faith and those who accepted its doctrine which Faunce re¬
sented and took to heart. A little time after the neighbor called at
his house on some errand that he wished to see him about. Faunce
happened to be at his devotions and when his wife went to inform
him who it was that had called, he exclaimed: “Let him wait, I can
pray better when the devil is at the door.” He d before 1886. His
wid survived him several years. — 8 ch: 1, Ellen Maria, b Dec 27, 1821
m Lysander Dunham of Minot; 2, Benjamin Franklin, b Nov 4, 1823
m 1845 Abigail S. Atkinson of Minot; 3, Lyman, b Jan 24, 1827 d
Nov 1855; 4, Betsey Washburn b Dec 31, 1828 ,m Andrew P. Green-
leaf; 5, Azel Wood, b Nov 12, 1831 m Abby F. Rowe; 6, Nancy Wash¬
burn, b June 24, 1834, m James Drew of Auburn; 7, Eliza Wood, b
Feb 12, 1837 m 1. George Greenleaf, 2. Freeman Hutchinson; 8,
Clara Thomas, b Aug 21, 1839 m Geo P. Rowe; 1 ch, Eugene G., b
May 18, 1878, res Auburn.
Azel W. Faunce m Abby F. Rowe b Poland, Apr 5, 1832. He d
Mar 17, 1899. Wid survived her husband many years — 4 ch:
Florence L., b Feb 18, 1857 m George Millett; Elmer A., b Feb 27,
1861 m Rachel C. Denning; Edgar E., b May 24, 1863 m Abbie M.
Thayer; B. Perley, b Mar 7, 1874 m Florence Maxim.
Benjamin Franklin Faunce lived and died in Minot — 2 ch:
I Lucy A., b Apr 26, 1846 m 1866 Frank A. Millett, P. M. at
Mechanic Falls, Co. treas., etc. They have John F., Mildred F.,
Arthur A. and Harold L. II Franklin W., b Minot Sept 16, 1849 m
Maria P. Shackley — 3 ch: 1, Helen M., b Jan 13, 1875 m Nov 1897
Hugh Pen dexter, author. They have Hugh, Jr., b Phillips, May 27,
1899 and Faunce b N. Jan 7, 1915; 2, Benjamin F., b Dec 18, 1878 m
Emily Davies of Steelton, Pa. — 3 ch: Benj. Jr., b July 30, 1903,
David D., b June 10, 1905, and John H., b May 27, 1911. 3, Grace
L., b June 30, 1880 m 1904 Walter C. Leavitt — 2 ch: John Faunce, b
Lynn, Mar 10, 1905 and Syrena L., b June 2, 1913.
408
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Favor
Samuel Favor, b Feb 9, 1816 m Mary dau of Daniel Holt, the
blacksmith, b Oct 10, 1819. As a young girl she was called the
belle of the village. He came to Norway from Paris and went into
business as a merchant, which he followed for many years. He was
tax collector and town treasurer. His parents were Reuben, b Ware,
N. H., and Mary (York) Favor, b Falmouth June 5, 1783. They
settled in Paris on Elm Hill. He d in 1851. Samuel Favor d Mar
17, 1892; wid d Dec 25, 1892 — 3 ch: I, James Madison, b Apr 4,
1838 m 1860 Angelia Tucker. He d June 11, 1881. She d Sept 25,
1910 — 3 ch: 1, Elsie Angelia, b Oct 4, 1863, unm — compositor in Ox¬
ford Democrat office (1923); 2, Henry Ferdinand, b Aug 7, 1870
m 1894, Lilia M. Meserve; setl’d in Mass. She d Nov 21, 1912;
3, James Nelson, b Apr 11, 1876 m Annie Hayes of Oxford— 3 c'h:
Henry Hayes, b Mar 27, 1909, Mary Elizabeth, b Nov 26, 1910, and
Samuel Tucker, b Mar 31, 1913. II Claudius Marcellus, b Oct
29, 1839 m L. Margaret Humphrey. He was an officer in Capt.
Cobb’s Co. H. Me. Coast Guards in the Civil War — d Dec 8L 1876;
wid survived him many years. Ill Samuel Eugene, b July o, 1848
d Dec 9, 1861.
Fitz
Eben P. Fitz came to Norway from the vicinity of Boston a few
years before 1850. He was born Oct 1813. The name of his first
wife was Harriet. She d and he m her sister Hannah D., b 1818.
He was a glazier, painter and paper hanger. He was, too, some¬
thing of a character for Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., the author, personated
him in many of his tales of adventure. He d about 1880. Wid d
Sept 8, 1891, aged 73, bur in Otisfield Gore Cem — 2 ch by 2. w.:
1, John Foster, b Sept 27, 1836 m Martha E. McKeen b Jan 18,
1838. He was a Sol in the Civil War in the 1st, 10th and 29th Me.
d Aug 5, 1883; wid d Mar 22, 1894; 2 ch— Ellen M., b Sept 7, 1858 m
Geo. W. Horne; and Francis H., b Oct 5, 1860, d Sept 27, 1867; 2,
Harriet A., b 1844 d young.
Fletcher
John H. Fletcher has been in business in Norway for about 20
years. He makes much of the confectionery with which his store
is supplied. He has a summer cotttage on the shore of Sand Pond
in the S. W. portion of the town. His wife was Bella Lloyd and
they have two promising sons: Lloyd and Leroy H.
Flint
Benjamin Flint, Jr., b Reading, Mass., Sept 1769 m Elizabeth,
dau of Enoch Merrill. They setl’d on the Waterford tract annexed
to Norway. She d Oct 11, 1836 aged 68 years. He d Oct 4, 1858,
aged 88 yrs 11 mos. Isaac Flint, son of Benjamin, Sr., b 1784 m
Lydia dau of Jacob Frost, the Rev Sol. He settled at Greenwood
City and held a commission as justice of the peace for many years.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
409
ElijaH Flint of Manchester, N. H., b 1772 m Dolly Baker dau of
Stephen Baker Pingree, the Rev Sol, b 1774. They settled in the
western part of the town. . She d Sept JA, 1823. He d Aug 3, 1853.
Their ch were Samuel, Elijah, Dolly and Ruth. Dolly m Daniel Holt
the blacksmith; Ruth m Rev John Paine; Elijah m Mary Brown of
\V at erf o r d , d Aug 3, 1853; Samuel m Hannah Frost. Wife d Feb
15, 1862 aged 60 yrs, 6 mos; m 2d Emily Cole. He d Aug 17 1878
aged 73. Wid d Aug 2, 1893. ’
?!\UtEL Harlan> youngest ch of Samuel and Hannah (Frosit)
f11}* * N°^14, ,1844 m 1871 Mary E- dau of Wm- S- Pingree b July
7’ iy54> They llved on a farm northwest of the Chapel on the Al¬
bany road. He was one of the substantial citizens of Norway noted
as a good farmer and great wood chopper, probably the best since the
early settlement of the town. He d June 22, 1910—7 ch: 1, Hannah
e//e, b Oct i, 1872 d July 2, 1874; 2, Della May, b Oct 11, 1874 m
Andrew J. Haskell of Waterford; 3, Leslie Harlan, b Mar 27 1877
m. Fr®TnCThT; 4’ Asa P°°1’ b Apr 16’ 1880 m Nina M- Skillings
of Whitefield, N. H.; 5, Guy Irving, b Jan 2, 1885 m Maud E. Went-
worth d June 25, 1911; 6, Kate L., b Dec 30, 1893; 7, Ethelyn Lois, b
June 22, 1896 m Roy N. Fowler of Millinocket.
Leonard Flint, son of Joseph of Albany b May 5, 1840 m Melinda
F. Holt. They lived on the Waterford stage road. He d Dec 9 1916.
She d Mar 21, 1922—6 ch: 1, Leonas L., m Edith Skillings; 2, Sylvan
d young; 3, Chester A. m Emma Titcomb and has a family of ch-
4, Velma L., b abt 1872 m Herbert Hobbs; 5, Eda L., b Jan 15, 1874
m Thaxter B. Doughty; 6, Sophronia, b June 10, 1876 m Wm. H
Haskell.
Flood
Capt. David Flood came to Norway from Portland before the
Civil War. He had two sons in that conflict, David Jr., and Edward
J. Another -son, James, d Aug 19, 1857 “aged 17 yrs 5 mos 18 das.”
Capt. David d May 24, 1877 “aged 73 yrs 2 mos.” His wife, Sarah
d Sept 19, 1872 in her 57th year; Edward was 18 years old when he
enlisted in Capt. Amos F. Noyes’ Co. B 32d Me., Mar 10, 1864. He
was in several battles from the Wilderness to Petersburg, Va. David
Jr., b in Portland was 19 when he enlisted in Co G 14th Me. in the
autumn of 1861 and was in the battles of Baton Rouge, La. 2nd Win¬
chester and Cedar Creek, Va. He m Martha M. dau of Seba Gam¬
mon — 6 ch: 1, Edith A., b Mar 25, 1866, m Asa D. Frost; 2, Winnie
M-, b Oct 19, 1868 m Elden Hall (2. w) ; 3, Eugene E., b Jan 5, 1870,
m Lillian P. Frost, res Farmington; 4, Ralph E., b Oct 1, 1873 m
Ida Packard, and has Grace G., b Feb 24, 1897, m Oct 1913 Clarence
S. Dunham, and they have a son and two daughters; 5, Virgil Fran¬
cis, marble cutter, unm b Aug 8, 1875; 6, Willie R., b Oct 5, 1886 m
Ida M. Marston, recently d at Farmington.
Fogg
Samuel Fogg, the first of the name to settle in New England
came from Wales to Hampton, N. H. There were several families
of Foggs in Kittery very early in the beginning of the 18th century.
Some of their descendants setl’d in Gorham. Moses was a Lieut, in
410
HISTORY OF NORWAY
the War of the Rev. His grandson, Capt. Almon L. Fogg of the 17th
Me. in the Civil War was mortally wounded at Gettysburg. Richard
Fogg m Achsa Stuart about 1815.
Benjamin Stuart Fogg and his wife Mary Elizabeth Barrows
came here from Harrison. Of his children was George O. Fogg, b
Harrison Nov 1, 1850. He m Eva L. Noyes, dau of Henry L.
and Mary P. (Cordwell) Noyes of Greenwood, b June 20, 1857—5
ch: 1, Lena A., b Greenwood July 30, 1879 d July 21, 1898; 2, Lewis
W., b Nov 25, 1887 m Agnes G. Rose of So. Paris, 1 ch, Constance
Rose, b Oct 15, 1920. In business with Leroy Spiller, undertaker;
3, Albert C., h Mar 18, 1890 m Bertha M. Cash. He d at Bath at
work in ship yard June 29, 1918—2 ch: Mabel S., b Apr 23, 1912,
and Albert E., b Apr 25, 1914; 4, Percy G., b May 12, 1892; 5, Lin-
wood E., b Dec 16, 1896 m Alice Maria Tucker, 2 ch: Wendell Earl,
b Oct 4, 1920, and Irene Doris, b May 25, 1922. He is a clerk in the
Nat. Bank. Lewis W., Percy G., and Linwood E. were soldiers in
the Great World War.
Foster
The Fosters of N. E. trace their line of descent from Charle¬
magne of France, and King Alfred the Great of England, who saved
the English nation and the English tongue from perishing from the
earth These lines coalesced in Baldwin, IV of Flanders, whose dau
Matilda was the wife of William the Conqueror. Her brother Rich¬
ard came from Normandy to England in William’s army at sixteen
years of age, and won his spurs and baronet at the battle of Hast¬
ings. He was later given charge of the king’s forest and was called
The Forester from whence has come the names of Foster and Forest.
The coat of arms was emblazoned on a shield with hunting horns.
The crest a deer. Though somewhat modified from Sir Richard s
time (1066-1100) the hunting horn has been the distinguishing feat¬
ure of the coat of arms in all branches of the race to the present day.
The writer has not been able to trace his mother’s line beyond Rev.
Thomas Foster of Ipswich, England, whose sons, Sergt. Tnomas
“Gunner of the Castle” in Boston harbor, and Richard Foster, emi¬
grated to Mass, and settled at Dorchester and their descendants are
called the Dorchester branch of the Fosters. John Foster, a grand-
son of Richard, published an almanac in 1675 and designed the Mass,
coat of arms. Capt. James Foster his brother, had the Foster coat
of arms cut on his grave stone, which shows three hunting horns on
the represented shield. A friend living near the old grave yard by
request went there and verified the fact. This is better evidence than
tradition that the Dorchester branch belonged to the general race.
The Fosters of Norway are descended from Reginald, who was
b at Brunton, England, and came to Ipswich, Mass, in 1638, where
he settled. His descendants are called the Ipswich branch. The
English Privy Council stopped the sailing of eight ships m the Thames
with emigrants for N. E. in Apr 1638. On petition of the passengers
and chief owners King Charles allowed them to sail and dur mg the
summer, “20 ships with 3000 persons at least, left old for New
England.” The line of descent from Reginald to Nathan, the first of
HISTORY OF NORWAY
411
the name in Norway, is as follows: Abraham 2, Benjamin 3, Amos 4,
and Amos 5. Nathan 6, b Tewksbury, Mass., May 14, 1762 m 1791
(1. m in N) Miriam Hobbs b July 17, 1772; she d Dec 24, 1804 and
he m 2. Sarah Hobbs, her sister, b Jan 8, 1782. He was one of the
first settlers on the Cummings tract, near Norway Center. He served
a period in the Rev. War. His bro, Lieut. Amos was in the battle
of Bunker Hill. The following is from a letter he wrote about the
battle and Gen. Joseph Warren:
“I knew Dr. Warren before that day (June 17, 1775); had seen
him among the troops at Cambridge and am certain of the fact. His
words made a lasting impression on my mind and I have repeated
them a thousand times. I was then a private in Capt. Walker’s
company in Col. Bridges’ Regt, and was on the ground all the night
before building up the works. After the old engineer had fixed his
stakes three of us moved one of them to square it up. The day of
the battle I was near the redoubt. We did all we could, but were
obliged to give up at last. The last time the British came up we were
moving off, all of a hurry, to the rear of the redoubt to stop them as
they came up, and there it was that I saw Gen. Warren, his clothes
bloody and he cried out to us, “I am a dead man, but fight on, my
brave fellows, for the salvation of your country.” We had no time
to do much, but got off as quickly as we could. I never saw Gen.
Warren afterwards. I knew Gen. Putnam and Col. Prescott well,
saw Putnam on the field one time at least.”
Nathan Foster dropped dead in a fit of apoplexy on the way to
his barn, Feb 5, 1836. Wid d June 6, 1870, aged 88 yrs, 5 mos— 6 ch
by 1. w, and 11 by 2. Several d young. Ill Nathan, b Apr 8, 1794
m Sarah (Gibson) Wheelock, b Dunstable, Mass., Dec 30, 1791 d
Nashua, N. H., July 13, 1882. He d Jan 20, 1837. Of their 6 ch was
Calvin B., b 1825, drowned in mill pond at Greenwood City, July 4,
1837.
V Capt. Jeremiah Hobbs, b Sept 23, 1797 m Mary - . He d
Dec 27, 1881. She d July 2, 1866 — ch: 1, Jeremiah, b 1817 m Nancy
- 1864. Sol in the Civil War. Served three enlistments. His
son, Nathan, b 1841, Pt. Co. B, 29th Me. d at New Orleans, 1864; 2,
Wm. Henry, b 1822. He was a sol in the Norway Co. of the 29th
Me.; d leaving wid and 2 ch. VI William, b Apr 5, 1799 m Calista
Wood of Waterford. He learned the trade of a blacksmith which he
followed for many years. In later years he carried on the old home¬
stead farm near Norway Center. Had good judgment and excellent
capacity and accumulated a handsome property. He d Jan 26, 1884
in his 85th year. Wife d Oct 19, 1881 aged 72 yrs — 4 ch, 1, Olive
Stevens, b Dec 7, 1830 m Theo Lyman Lasselle, b Oct 26, 1826. She
d Mar 24, 1867; 2, Wm. Franklin, b Jan 14, 1833 m 1868 Almira H.
Smith. He d Nov 11, 1833. She d Aug 24; 1916 — 4 ch, 2 d in in¬
fancy. Dr. Winnie, b Sept 6, 1870, coll and med sch grad; successful
practitioner of medicine in California, unm, and Henry B., b Aug 30,
1872 m Jennie M. Cole; 1 ch, Laurestine, b Jan 10, 1903. For many
years Mr. Foster was a ready-made clothing merchant. Now (1923)
412
HISTORY OF NORWAY
he is engaged in the shoe manufacturing business. Mod. at the town
meetings for many years.
Nathan A., son of William, b Jan 14, 1835 m Hattie N. Grover. He
was a thrifty farmer and a good citizen. He passed the last years
of his life on the old Foster homstead. He d Apr 15, 1891. Wid d
Dec 24, 1915—1 ch, Fred A., b June 23, 1865 d young. Miriam
Hobbs, dau of William, b July 23, 1839 m Leon M. Pierce of Spring-
field, Mass. IX, Sarah, b Apr 17, 1807 m King David Frost. X
Samuel, b Jan 27, 1809 m Sarah - , d June 25, 1851; 2, 1852
Caroline Cross. He d Sept 3, 1904 aged 96 yrs., 7 mos., 7 days. 2 w
d Aug 9, 1861 — 8 ch, two of whom d young: 1, George Samuel, b
July 29, 1839 was a sol of Co. G 14th Me. Was in the battle of Baton
Rouge, La.; d from dis, Dec 2, 1862; 2, Lydia S., b Nov 28, 1841; 3,
Amos H., b 1848, lives on the old homestead; 4, David F., m Dorothy
L. Hatch and resides in Oxford — ch: Mary V., Arthur F., Fred A.
and Charles S.; 5, Charles A. unm lives on the old homestead; 6,
Carrie M., unm.
XI Serena, b Dec 11, 1810 m Simeon Frost.
XIII Luther Farrar, b Mar 3, 1815 m Eunice B. Millett, dau of
Nathaniel, b Apr 15, 1817. He d May 14, 1853. She d Dec 2, 1665—
7 ch: 1, Wallace Valentine, b Jan 13, 1840 m Abby Thomas of Har¬
rison. He was a Sol. in the Civil War; 2, Helen Augusta, b Jan 1,
1842 m Silas Andrews of Dry Mills; 3, Marquis J., b Mar 24, 1845 d
young; 4, Martha J., b Mar 24, 1845 m Jason F. Rowe, 1 ch, Bessie
M. , b May 31, 1871 m Eugene L. Hatch of Rochester, N. H.; 5 , Eunice
Etta, b Feb 1, 1847 m J. W. Bacon of Cumberland Mills; 6, Lizzie E.,
b June 5, 1849 d Apr 3, 1861; 7, Sarah Hannah, b Jan 29, 1853 m
G. A. Morse.
French
James French, the first of the name to settle in Norway, was
born in Andover, Mass, in 1768. He m Abigail Fletcher of Ipswich,
b 1765. Tradition states that two sons of Sir Robert of London, to
whom had been granted a coat of arms in 1662, came to New England
abt 1610 and settled at Salisbury, Mass., where one of them was killed
by the Indians while standing on a ladder leaning against his cabin,
eating an ear of corn. The surviving brother is supposed to be the
English immigrant ancestor of the Frenches in this region. James
French was an active, energetic citizen. At one time he was an inn¬
keeper and connected with the Academy in Andover. He removed to
Maine and was in trade awhile in Falmouth, now Portland. The
family consisting of six children came to Norway just after the town
was incorporated and purchased a large tract of land, later compris¬
ing four farms, on three of which in the vicinity of the Chapel three
of his grandsons lived and died. He set out a fine orchard on the
Amos French place where he passed the last years of his life. It is
a noteworthy fact that two of has great-grandchildren of the same
name are fine orchardists and apple dealers. James, the pioneer, d in
1819. His wife d Sept 3, 1827—9 ch. All lived to have families of
their own. James Jr., the oldest child, b Dec 19, 1783 m Annie, dau
of Phinehas Whitney the Rev. Sol., b Feb 13, 1788. They set d first
in Greenwood near Patch Mt., but moved back to Norway about the
HISTORY OF NORWAY
413
time his father died, to the old homestead where he and his wife
passed tter last days. He d May 13, 1874. All of his boys were at
the funeral and all were gray haired,” their aggregate ages being
. His wife had d Sept 7, 1846. She was a sweet singer and an
exemplary Christian woman. He m 2. Betsey (Kimball) Towne, who
a in looo — 1U ch:
I George, b Aug 28, 1809 m Louisa Lovejoy of Albany. He was
in trade at Fuller s Corner for several years. In 1834 he sold his
interest to his bro. James, and removed to Hunt’s Corner, Albany
where he was m trade for 40 years. He d in 1883. He had been
prominent in town affairs and a leading member of the republican
party of his section. All of his children died young, but one
h T* oS Pt;dTeSv b May 26, 1811 m 1845 Sarah Brown of Albany
b Jan 22 1821 He was a trader, teacher and farmer. Lived in
JN. G. A., Gilead and Bethel where he d Jan 21, 1883. He was a Con-
gregationalist in religion and a democrat in politics and sel in Albanv
tor six years and for 10 years in Gilead.
HI Washington, b May 16, 1813 m Mary Henley set’d in Abanv
where he d Mar 10, 1887. His w d in Feb 1875. Of their 7 ch was
Dr. Augustus Noyes, b N. June 21, 1845 who m 1. Melinda T. Bassett
of Lovell; 2. Nellie E. Fox of Lovell. 1 ch, Lutie May, b Dec 27 1875
by 1. w, and 2 ch by 2., Addie Maud, b Mar 13, 1879, d July 30 ’ 1885
and Eva Myrt, b July 3, 1884. Dr. French practiced medicine in
Lovell for many years and removed to Norway in 1885 and died here
Jan 30, 1908.
IV Perley, b Apr 22, 1815 m 1839 Betsey Wardwell of Albanv
where he settled. He d in N. Oct 25, 1892.
V Martha A., b Nov 2, 1817, d in infancy.
VI John Adams, b July 12, 1819 m 1837 Aurilla P. Chase. At
the age of 16, John A. French went to Boston and entered a printing-
office where 25 others were employed. He soon began printing a
paper called “The American Eagle.” Two years after he became sole
owner and started the “Boston Herald” as an evening paper The
sensational murder of Dr. Parkman by Prof. Webster of Harvard
College who was tried, convicted and executed, all of which was fully
reported in the Herald, gave the paper a great circulation. In 1847
the Herald started the movement to elect the old hero of Beuna Vista
Gen. Zachary Taylor, President of the U. S. It defeated Caleb
Cushing for Gov. of Mass, by making prominent an unsavory inci¬
dent of his at the State Mil. muster. On account of poor health the
Herald was disposed of in 1856 when it had a circulation of some
fifty thousand, and Mr. French returned to Maine and purchased a
place at Fuller’s Corner where he passed the last years of his life
He d Apr 19, 1903. His w d Jan 17, 1894—6 ch: 1, John H., b
Boston Oct 14, 1838 m Ellen G. Stevens — printer in the Boston Jour-
nail office for more than 40 yrs. He d Mar 21, 1917. Wid d May 21,
1817— no ch; 2, George A., b B. Oct 12, 1841 m Arvilla Rich. Letter
carrier for many years in Boston— no ch; 3, James K. Polk, b B.
Nov 10, 1844 m Ida E. Hayes. She d Oct 27, 1878. He d Apr 19^
1912. P. M. and trader at Fuller’s Corner many years; 4, Charles
Edward, b B. May 25, 1851 d Nov 30, 1869; 5, Betsey Isabelle, b
414
HISTORY OF NORWAY
WILLIAM A. FRENCH
EUGENE O. FRENCH
WILLIAM P. FRENCH
EM ELI N E A. FRENCH
AUGUSTA H. FRENCH
ARTHUR F. FRENCH
HISTORY OF NORWAY
415
B. Nov 12, 1855 d Sept 10, 1857; 6, Aurilla Isabelle, b N. May 8, 1859
man and* Do Hussey~ 8chv E;mer> co11 grad, Olive m Clarence Whit-
man, and Dorothy, m Edwin Austin.
™ Martha Ann, b Dec 1821 m 1. Clark Knight, 2. Joseph Per¬
kins. She d Nov 10, 1880, the result of being thrown from a car¬
riage on French Hill. Clark Knight d Apr 11, I860.
24 Tap 7 M^CS ?Sg°fd’ b Mar 81* 1824 m 1848 Betsey Pierce b June
’ n’ j lved on a part of the old homestead. Their house
was called The Pilgrim’s Home.” Both were devoted Christians,
and kd exemplary lives. He d Sept 24, 1896. She d Apr 21, 1907—
V •’ 1’0rrm8t°n Leroy, b June 2, 1850, accidentally k by the dis¬
charge of a gun June 6, 1863. He had a fine voice for singing, was a
good scholar and a good boy; 2, Addle Ella, b Apr 12, 1852 m Henrv
C. Pearson of Boston. She d Aug 1907; 3, Viola A., b Oct 24, 1854
d Apr 15, 1879.
28 ? WVLPtrZ’ b May 26’ 1826 ® «52 Emeline Stevens b Apr
28, 1833. At 20, Mr. French commenced teaching. His wife was also
a school teacher. He was one of the noted instructors of his dav
teaching in Norway, Waterford and Albany, having large schools
aways and frequently seventy-five to eighty pupils. He served on the
school board for several years. Was the leading citizen of his sec-
tl0ni'OriMr,TFrenCh boug,ht the Place on which he passed his last days,
18 i1' t, ™_a part of the tract Purchased by his grandfather
French. He d Mar 26, 1909. His w d July 15, 1912 — 4 ch: 1, Wm.
A b May 5, 1853 unm; 2, Eugene Otis, b July 28, 1854 m Ethel
Sherman Abbott, 2 ch, Esther Jean, b June 28, 1919, and Geo Wil¬
liam, b Dec 9, 1920. Mr. French is one of Norway’s substantial
farmers; 3, Augusta Helen, b Dec 28, 1859. School teacher for some
30 years, and has State teacher’s pension; 4, Arthur Fordyce, b Sept
4, 1861 m Rose N. Pierce. She d Sept 13, 1885. He d at Denver, Col.
Oct 11, 1889. Coll grad, teacher, sch supt, etc. An exemplary young
man, loved by all who knew him for his manly and noble qualities.
X Amos, b Sept 24, 1828 m Sarah Dunn b Poland Dec 3, 1841.
She was the dau of Rev Elbridge Gerry Dunn of Poland. He lived
and d on the old homestead of his father and grandfather. He d Mar
24, 1917. His wife d July 2, 1910 — 5 ch: 1, Gerry Dunn, b Oct 7, 1858
d Aug 12, 1860; 2, Carrie Elsie, b June 30, 1861 m Wm Kingman,
set’d in Waterford; 3, Chester Gerry, b May 24, 1868 m Mabel Morey
of Otisfield. He lives on the old place— 7 ch: DeLeon, b Nov 13,
1892 m 1911 Mildred E. Swan; Pearl C., b Aug 19, 1895 m 1914 Har¬
old Merrill; Mildred E., b Nov 7, 1898 m 1917 Scott S. Pottle; twin
daus, b Aug 28, 1904, a dau b July 24, 1911, and Chester G., b Sept
9, 1913; 4, Aldro Amos, b July 1, 1874 m Edna M. Makepeace of At¬
tleboro, Mass., 1 ch (son); 5, Angie L., b May 3, 1879 m Leslie H
Flint.
Delmore M. French of another branch of the French race came
here from Eastern Maine to take charge as superintendent of the
coin factoiy. He lives on Pleasant Street, in the place formerly
owned by Charles E. Holt. He m Lena M. Greeley. They had
Bernard D. who d June 15, 1912, “aged 15.”
416
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Freeman
Ralph S. Freeman b Minot Dec 17, 1817 m 1849 Sarah dau of
Joshua Crockett, Jr., of Norway. His grandfather, Chandler Free¬
man, was a native of Duxbury, who set’d in Minot and was a dea of
the Cong ch. Chandler, one of his sons, b in Minot m Elizabeth
Bradford, a descendant of Wm. Bradford of Plymouth. He was a
coll grad. They removed to Hebron and had ten ch. He d in
Colorado. After his marriage, Ralph S. Freeman came to Norway,
1853, and bought the farm of his father-in-law where he lived to his
death May 14, 1899. His wid d June 18, 1901. 4 ch.— 1, Hattie
Crockett, b Hebron Oct 17, 1850, m Isaac W. Merrill. 2 ch. Frank W.
and Hattie M. who d young. He d many years ago. Wid d abt 1920
at her son’s in Manchester, N. H. II, Sarah Alice, b Jan 18, 1854
m Clarence R. Merrill, set’d at Manchester, N. H. — no ch. Ill,
Charles E., b Aug 19, 1857 m 1886 Ada C. Merrill. She d July 19,
1895, m 2 Inez M. Bradbury. He d Sept 9, 1910. Wid remarried
1917 Edward E. Parker of So Paris. 3 ch— Lucy C. b Aug 27, 1887
m Wm G. Glover, — 2 ch — Ada b Sept 1917, Charles b Jan 19, 1922.
Ralph M. b abt 1889 m Gladys Rowe set’d at W. Paris, ch Irene and
Sarah Alice b abt 1891 m Claude H. Thomas set’d in Otisfield. 5 ch
Lester, Ralph, Robert, Marian and Mary. IV, Henry H., b May
9, 1862 m Lena S. Buck, set’d at Manchester, N. H. He d Apr 6,
1913. She d Dec 12, 1908 aged 37 yrs 6 mos— no ch.
Frost
George Frost was the English emigrant ancestor of one branch
at least, and perhaps of both the Frost families of Norway. It is
not known just what year he came to N. E. He had a son William
who had a son James. The latter m Margaret Goodwin of Berwick.
They had a son Nathaniel b Aug 13, 1715, whose wife was Elizabeth.
They set’d in Gorham where he d Apr 24, 1762. She d abt 1768. 8
oh _ two of whom came to Norway and set’d on the hill named for
the Frost families who lived there.
David 5 b abt 1744 m 1766 Mary, dau of Capt Robert and Mary
(Trunley) Johnson. Mary Trunley was the dau of Randall Trunley
of St. Paul’s Parish, Deptford, Kent Co., Eng. Capt. Robert Johnson
was master of a sloop in the disastrous Penobscot expedition of
1779. He had also other service in the War of the Rev. His grand¬
father, James Johnson was a native of Scotland, who set’d in North
Ireland, but came to N. E. abt 1732 and made his permanent home
in Scarboro, where he was a ferryman for many years over the
Spurwink river. David Frost served as commissary for the soldiers
during an attack of the British fleet on Falmouth, now Portland, in
the Rev. He with several sons first came to Oxford and set’d in a
fertile and attractive region on Allen Hill, which on account of a
disagreement with the proprietor of the tract, they left and made
permanent homes on Phillips Gore, which was annexed to Norway
in 1821. Of David Frost’s twelve ch, four sons and two daus set’d
on or near Frost Hill. The father d Mar 12, 1826. John the 2 ch b
Dec 28, 1769 m Jane Richmond. They lived and d on what in the
sixties was known as the Eliab Frost farm, the place of habitation
HISTORY OF NORWAY
417
being originally selected for its nearness to a fine spring of water.
He d Dec 29, 1845 aged 76. His wife d June 16, 1847 aged 66.
In the old graveyard on Frost Hill is another grave marked with
a stone on which is the following inscription: “Mary, wife of John
Frost, died Nov 15, 1832 aged 67 yrs.” (Was this his first wife or
of some other John Frost?) 9 ch.— 1, Johnson, b May 31, 1803 m
Eunice Weston, she d Sept 15, 1854; m 2, Nancy Blackwell. 2, Mary,
b July 12, 1806 m David Weston, d Mar 16, 1842. 3, Hannah, b
Sept 14, 1807 d unm July 20, 1877. 4, Squire David, b Dec 12, 1809
m Sarah Foster. 5, Simeon, b Nov 28, 1811 m 1 Serena Foster, 2
Hannah Hobbs, 3 Hannah Foster. 6, John, b Feb 6, 1814 m Emer-
line Foster, set’d in Otisfield. 7, Jane, b Aug 28, 1817 m Seba
Gammon. 8, Eliab R., b Mar 12, 1820 m Mary J. Martin. 9,
Martha C., b May 28, 1825 m Sumner Stone, set’d in Waterford.
Johnson Frost, son of David, b 1803 m Eunice Weston, 2, Nancy
Blackwell. 5 ch by 1, Zachariah Weston, John Colby, Mary Francina,
Joseph E. and Jane L., and 3 ch by 2 wife, James Buchanan, Simon
and Oscar. The last two named set’d in N. Mex. He d May 24, 1880.
1. w. d Sept 15, 1854, 2. w. d June 24, 1889. I, Z. Weston Frost, b
Dec 4, 1837 m 1 Mary A. Merrill b Waterford June 25, 1841, d
Sept 24, 1908, m 2 Annie L. Emmons d 1923. He was a Civ War Sol.
He d Apr 24, 1911. 1 ch by 1 wife, Herbert P., b Nov 12, 1870 m
Nellie Everett. 3 ch, Herbert Oscar, b May 8, 1904, Leslie, b Apr
28, 1908 d Feb 1, 1910 and Cora E., b Oct 6, 1911. II, John Colby
Frost, b Aug 4, 1838 m Laura Gammon, set’d at Bolster’s Mills. He
was a Sol in the Civ War. He d abt 1910. His wife surv him
several years. — 1 ch, a dau, m Willis E. Carsley of Winthrop, Mass,
d several years ago, — no ch.
James B. Frost, son of Johnson by 2 wife b Feb 24, 1857 m 1878
Alice V. Reed b Waltham, Mass, Apr 25, 1861. They live on the
corner of the Waterford and Chapel roads. 6 ch. — 1, Roscoe C., b
Jan 7, 1880 m Lulu W. Chipman. 2, Mabel L., b Mar 27, 1883 m
Herbert M. Adams of Stoneham. 3, Vesta V., b Sept 10, 1885 m
Walter C. Smith. 4, Mildred L., b Mar 13, 1889 m Arthur S.
Cummings of Greenwood. 5, Anna S., b Nov 2, 1893 m Harry M.
Goodwin. 6, Gladys A., b July 7, 1895 m Raymond B. Swan of
Greenwood.
David Frost, son of John the pioneer b Dec 12, 1809 m Sarah
Foster b Apr 17, 1807. He was a prominent man in town affairs for
many years and served one term in the legislature. He was regarded
as the leading citizen of his section and the principal one of his race
and for those reasons was called “King” David Frost. His farm
and home was on the top of Frost Hill. He d Oct 1, 1892. His wife
d Sept 3, 1884. 2 ch. — 1, Washington Irving, b May 23, 1842 m
1872 Jennie A. Richardson b May 28, 1850. Late in life he set’d in
Auburn — a stone cutter. He d abt 1920. 1 ch, Minnie W. b Aug 13,
1891 m and lives in Lewiston; 2, Serena, b Aug 13, 1844 m Alvin R.
Frost.
418
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Simeon Frost, bro of “King” David, b 1811 m Serena Foster, a
sister of David’s wife, b Dec 11, 1810. They lived in Yagger. She d
Dec 13, 1842. He m 2. Hannah Hobbs, who d in 1868; m 3. Hannah
Foster who surv him. He d Sept 12, 1882. 2 ch by 1 wife — 1, David
Francis, b Aug 18, 1839 was a Sol in Co B. 29th Me. in the Civ War
— d in the service Apr 30, 1864; 2, Wm. Edwin, b Dec 6, 1842, coll
grad and high sch teacher. Sergt in N. Co. 23d Me., also in Capt
Cobb’s Co. at Kittery — d in Mass Nov 30, 1904.
Eliab R. Frost, youngest bro of “King” David, b 1820 m Mary J.
Martin b abt 1825. He lived on the old homestead of his father on
Frost Hill. Enlisted in Capt. Amos F. Noyes’ Co. B, 32d Me. While
on the march during Gen. Grant’s Wilderness campaign he was
wounded by the accidental discharge of a gun and died. He was
bur in the Nat Cem at Arlington, Va. His wid d Dec 3, 1889 aged
63. 7 ch. — 1, Alvin R., b Aug 21, 1848 m Serena Frost; 2, Arthur
W ., b Sept 4, 1850 m Fannie E. Holden; 3, Angeline, b Oct 5, 1852;
4, Mason, b Mar 9, 1855 m 1900 Etta B. Ballard, 1 ch — L. Richmond;
5, Lillian, b Apr 22, 1856; 6, Merritt, b July 2, 1857 d unm Dec 20,
1913; 7, Mary, b July 16, 1859 m 1 Geo M. Pike, 2 A. B. Canwell.
Alvin R. Frost, son of Eliab R. b 1848 m Serena, dau of “King”
David Frost, b Aug 13, 1844. 4 ch. — 1, Sadie Hortense, b 1873 m
Geo. A. Kennerson; 2, David Dexter, b Aug 13, 1877 m and lives at
Poland Spring; 3, Harvey Lewis, b Jan 26, 1879 — res on homestead
with parents; 4, Leslie Arnold, b Jan 4, 1883 d young.
Arthur W. Frost, son of Eliab R. b 1850 m Fannie E. Holden.
He d Nov 16, 1907. 8 ch. — 1, Winslow A., m Florence J. Fuller;
2, Florence E., m Winfield Scothorne; 3, Della F., m Arthur Giles;
4, Clifford C., m Bessie A. Brackett; 5, Fannie E., m Alfred G.
Monk; 6, Eliab R. 7, Lucy, m Leon Dow and 8, Gladys M., m Alton
Noyes.
Peter Frost, son of David Sen, b May 21, 1788 m Sarah Perkins
dau of Samuel the Rev Sol. He lived and d on the place he carved
out of the wilderness on Frost Hill. His death occurred Apr 8,
1857. His wid d Dec 9, 1873. They had 9 ch. Samuel Perkins,
named for his maternal grandfather, b Oct 31, 1813 m Charlotte
Cushman b 1818 and lived on the old homestead. He d July 15, 1901
aged 87 yrs 9 mos. Wid d Oct 8, 1909 aged 91 yrs 6 mos. 2 ch.
Fred S. and Etta B. who m 1 a Ballard, 2 Mason Frost, 2 ch by 1
hus and 1 by 2. Ossie A. Ballard m Effie A. Morgan, Minnie L.
Ballard m Robert E. York — L. Richmond Frost by 2 m.
Robert Frost, bro of Peter, b Gorham Mar 26, 1782 m Betsey
Jordan of Otisfield b Feb 26, 1789. He d Mar 14, 1868 aged 85 yrs
11 mos. Wid d Dec 4, 1869 aged 80 yrs, 9 mos. Of their 12 ch
several d young. Charles, the oldest son b Dec 13, 1809 m Hannah
Foster, a sister of “King” David’s wife, b Jan 22, 1813. They lived
on a farm near Noble’s Corner. He d July 19, 1879. Wid d Aug
8, 1890. 4 ch — 1, N. Bradley, b 1836 m Ann M. Everett. She d Apr
11, 1873,-2 ch, Emma L. m Harry E. Gibson, Perley C. d young.
2, Annette G., b 1840 m Ira Moulton b Freedom, N. H. Mar 5, 1833.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
419
He d Dec 6, 1903. 1 ch, Ella F. b Dec 28, 1863 m Simeon Harriman
—no ch; 3, Elizabeth, b 1846 m Chas Sewell Penley; 4, Hannah Jane
b 1850 ni George W. Herrick.
William Frost, son of Robert the pioneer, b June 9 1812 m
1 Lydia E. Foster b Jan 17, 1823. She d Sept 18, 1851— m 2 Mary
A. (Hairis) Whitcomb. He was in trade for so many years at the
little hamlet at the foot of the lake that 'the place came to be known
as Frost’s Corner. Removed to the village where he was prominent
in financial and town affairs. He was noted for his integrity and
sound judgment. His death occurred Mar 18, 1882. 2 ch _ 1, Kate
H., b 1844 m Otis N. Jones of Boston; 2, L. Ellen, b June 19, 1847
d unm June 29, 1894.
Robert Jordan Frost, son of Robert, b Feb 25, 1823 m 1856
Alice N. Shedd b July 27, 1829. They lived between Fuller’s and
Noble’s Corners. He was a good citizen and respected for his integ¬
rity and moral worth. He d Nov 25, 1898. Wid d July 20, 1916,
1 ch — Belle F ., a lovely girl b Nov. 4, 1861 d July 9, 1877.
David W. Frost, son of Robert, b July 12, 1825 m Vesta Briggs
b Dec 26, 1834. They lived on a farm near Pike’s Hill. He d Oct
12, 1905. She d May 26, 1914. 5 ch — 1, Addie Imogene, b Aug 12,
1853 m 1874 Alpheus G. Lovejoy; 2, Franklin E., b Feb 4, 1855 m
Nellie F. Scribner of Otisfield; 3, Charles Freeman, b Feb 20, 1858
m Eliza F. Bean b Feb 1, 1861. In trade in Mass. 2 ch, Alice I.
b Aug 13, 1882 m Wm. K. Holmes. Both are coll grads. Eda
Vesta b May 28, 1885 m a Lovejoy; 4, George Douglas, b Aug 18,
1860 m 1883 Nellie E. Philbrook — ch, Goldie D. m Edgar E. Holden;
V. Earl; Ada M.; and Georgia F.; 5, Asa Danforth, b Aug 7, 1867
m 1887 Edith Flood b Mar 23, 1866. She d Nov 23, 1917. 2 ch,
Bertha Winona b Feb 2, 1889 m Wm H. Wood of Sabattus and Alton
Eugene b Nov 11, 1891. He has served on the board of selectmen.
Lives at Norway Lake vill.
William Frost, Jr., b Oct 24, 1790 m 1815 Abigail H. Stevens
of Cape Elizabeth; 2. 1836 Sarah Haskell; 3. 1839 Mary Files; 4. 1851
Eliza Hamblen; 5 1855 Lucy Witt. 1 wife d Feb 15, 1834, 2 d Sept
22, 1838, 3 d Mar 11, 1845, wid d Oct 3, 1889. He d June 11, 1865.
ch. — Joel S., b Apr 8, 1816 m Mary Ann Jordan b Dec 2, 1822. He d
May 28, 1898. She d Sept 7, 1899.— 2 ch Mark F. b 1844, a sol in
Co H. 23d Me d at Berlin Md. Dec 7, 1862, and Levi, unm.
Nathaniel G. b July 17, 1830 m Mary (Flood) Danley set’d in
Oxford. V as a sol in the 32d Me and was wounded, taken prisoner
in the attack on Petersburg in 1864. Leg amputated. Diantha L.,
sister of Nathaniel G., b July 17, 1830 m Charles H. Haskell.
Roswell, bro of preceding, b Mar 17, 1841 m 1868 Annie L. Webb
b No. Bridgton, Sept 7, 1850. She d Apr 5, 1917. — 11 oh — 1, Gertie
M., b Oct 8, 1869 m 1 Justin W. Everett, 2 a Durkee; 2, Lucy M.,
b May 16, 1871 d in infancy; 3, Lillian P., b Mar 26, 1873 m 1895
Eugene E. Flood — res Farmington; 4, Maud Adaline, b Feb 20, 1875
m 1899 Frank E. Decoster; 5, Hattie T., b Oct 25, 1877 m 1897
Russell C. Edwards of Otisfield; 6, Walter W., b Aug 16, 1880 m 1905
Ethel S. Peaco of Otisfield; 7, Roy Webb, b May 28, 1882 m 1907
420
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Olive J. Edgecomb; 8, Guy, b June 4, 1884 m Gertrude Beasley; 9,
Claude, b Apr 13, 1886; 10, Ruth G., b May 3, 1888 m George F.
Devine; 11, Theodore Webb, b Oct 21, 1891 m Eva G. Richardson.
Jacob and Joel Frost from Tewksbury, Mass, were early settlers
on the Waterford Three Tiers. They have no known connection with
the other Frost families mentioned. Jacob fo 1752 m 1 Lydia Shedd,
a sister of Lemuel the Rev. Sol. She d Sept 30, 1816 — he m 2
Rebecca (Cobb) Stevens wid of Nathaniel Stevens b 1765. He
served in the old Continental Army and received a wound at Bunker
Hill and was taken prisoner and carried away to Halifax, but with
two others escaped, and after incredible suffering, reached a port and
finally home. He d Jan 28, 1839 aged 86. His 2 wife d Jan 19,
1846 aged 80. 10 ch, all by 1 wife and all but George, the
youngest, prior to his coming to Norway. 1, Jacob Jr., b Dec 21,
1777 m Deborah Covell; 2, Silas, b June 19, 1783 d Apr 19, 1805; 3,
Zephaniah, b 1875 m Mary - d July 25, 1848. She d June 15,
1842; 5, Anna, b Aug 31, 1788 m Jeremiah Hobbs, Jr.; 7, Ziba, b Sept
15, 1792 m Phebe Lovejoy. He d Nov 21, 1860. She d Mar 16, 1877
aged 86 yrs, 4 mos. ; 8, Edmund, b Oct 1, 1795 m 1823 Anna P. Love-
joy. He d Oct 16, 1839. She d Oct 16, 1865.
Joel Frost, bro of Jacob the Rev Sol, b Aug 1, 1773 m Susanna
Fowler b June 20, 1780. They lived in the extreme western portion
of the town on the old Waterford road. He d Sept 6, 1856 aged 83.
She d Apr 24, 1840 aged 60. They are bur in the Shedd yard. They
had 12 ch — 1, Moses, b 1801 m a Folger, set’d in Sidney; 2, William,
b 1802 m Mary K. Wheelock, set’d in Norway on the old homestead;
3, Joseph, b 1803 d aged 19; 4, Joel Jr., b 1804 d in infancy; 5,
Mary A., b 1807 m Francis Cummings of Albany; 6, Hannah, b 1808
m Samuel Flint; 7, David, b 1810 m a Whitney, — set’d in Sweden;
8, Louisa, b 1812 m Ward Noyes Jr.; 9, Harriet, b 1813 m Joel
Robinson of Sidney; 10, Laurana b 1815 m Nathaniel Bennett of
Bridgton; 11, Joshua, b 1817 went to K^; 12, Lewis, b 1819 m Abiah
Towne, set’d in Sweden.
William Frost, son of Joel m Mary K. Wheelock b July 15, 1812.
He d Mar 21, 1878. She d Jan 22, 1891. 10 ch — 2, Emma J., b Jan
29, 1834 m Jacob F. Holt; 7, Geo. Walter, b Apr 4, 1844 was a sol
in Co G 14th Me in the Civ. War and d at New Orleans. La., July
16, 1862 aged 18 yrs 3 mos, 14 days, and is bur in the Nat Cem there.
8, Charles A., b Sept 14, 1848 m 1874 Martha A. Merrill b Apr 3,
1851. She d in 1917 — no ch. Mr. Frost is a carpenter and builder,
prominent in town and grange affairs and has held a commission
as a justice of the peace for many years.
Fuller
Dr. Samuel Fuller one of the Leyden Pilgrims, was connected
by blood and marriage with the leading families of Rev John Robin¬
son’s church in Holland. He came on the Mayflower in 1620, leaving
behind to come later, his wife and child. Edward Fuller also a
member of the Pilgrim church, with wife Ann and son Samuel, was
a passenger on the same vessel. Edward and his wife d the following
HISTORY OF NORWAY
421
winter but their son survived and grew to man’s estate and had a
family. Dr. Samuel d in 1635 leaving a son Samuel and a dau
Mercy. Edward’s son Samuel doubtless named for his unde Dr.
Samuel, m Jane dau of Rev John Lothrop, of London, Scituate and
Bai nstable. He was a famous Puritan preacher. It is uncertain
whether the Hebron, Oxford and Norway Fullers are descended from
Dr. Samuel or Edward Fuller.
Nathaniel Fuller of Plympton, a Rev Sol set’d in Oxford. He
was twice m 1 to Lydia Holmes, 2 to Anna - 13 ch and perhaps
more by both wives. Last w was living with her son Sullivan in O.
in 1850 when the census was taken that year. Sullivan b June 12,
1806 m Abigail Trott of Windham. They had Emily T. b 184o’
Julius F. b 1842, Alphonso S. b 1844 and Eugene F. b 1848.
Benj. G. Fuller b May 5, 1808 m Myra Cushman b June 21,
1808. Morrill M. their son b Andover Aug 24, 1842 m 1870 Hattie
E. dau of Prescott L. and Mary (Hill) Pike b Sept 2, 1845. He d
Aug 20, 1913. 2 ch— 1, Nettie M., b Aug 27, 1872 m Frank B.
Me Sweeny of Boston,— no ch; 2, Lizzie M., b May 28, 1876 m Louis
J. Brooks.
Benjamin Fuller who gave his name to the little hamlet in the
north part of the town where he lived, was b Oct 1766 and m
Abigail Merriam, a sister of Silas Merriam the pioneer, b the same
year. She d Mar 4, 1838 aged 72. He d Mar 16, 1850 aged 83 yrs
6 mos. They are bur on Merrill Hill. 4 ch — 1, Lydia M., b 1798, a
sch teacher of note d unm Sept 16, 1825; 2, Archelaus, b June 20,
1803 m Eliza Eaton. He d July 15, 1838. ch Frederick E. b 1829
m Lydia N. Johnson. He d Feb 2, 1857. Franklin E. b 1830 d May
10, 1861. Archelaus b 1838 a Civ. War Sol rem from N. after his
discharge; 3, Eliza, b 1805 d unm Feb 14, 1834; 4, Silas Merriam
b 1806 d unm Feb 5, 1884 “aged 78.”
Gallison
Joseph Gallison b 1777 m Hannah Atwood b 1779. He came
here soon after 1799 and began making hats. He bought what was
afterwards the Dr Asa Danforth stand on Main St., d Oct 6, 1867.
Wid d June 27, 1855. They had ch — Abby W., m Richard Lombard,
Sophia', m Jefferson Cushing, William, a stage driver, m Elvira dau
of Daniel Young, a partner in the hat business with his father, and
John M., a carriage maker m Sarah A. dau of Dr John E. French.
John M. Gallison set’d at N. Woodstock and was the 1 P. M.
there. Also conducted a public house for travelers. Jefferson Cush¬
ing his 2 ch b N. Aug 8, 1841 a journeyman printer and was
employed for a period in Col. Geo. W. Millett’s Advertiser office. He
later wrote several interesting sketches for the local paper, one of
which is reproduced in a chapter in this history. He d a short time
ago in Franklin, Mass.
Gammon
Joseph Gammon, son of Philip the English emigrant ancestor
who with his bro Joseph had come to N. E. before 1750 was b in
Gorham in July or Aug 1758, and m Drusilla Reed b 1769. He was a
Rev Sol in the disastrous Penobscot Expedition of 1779 and with
422 1
HISTORY OF NORWAY
John Lombard who was a sol also from Gorham made their way
home through the wilderness. Gammon and Lombard were among
the early settlers in Ndrway. These two lived to a great age.
Joseph Gammon d Dec 28, 1852. John Lombard d July 31, 1853
“aged 89.” The ch of Joseph and Drusilla Gammon were: Charles,
Harriet, Seba, Maria, Pamelia and Joseph.
Seba Gammon son of Jospeh the Rev Sol b Otisfield Jan 30, 1807,
came to Norway in 1827 and m 1836 Sarah Jane dau of Peter Frost
b 1822. He d Apr 1889. Wid d Sept 21, 1903. 14 ch — 4 of whom d
young: 1, Frank S., b Sept 6, 1837, d Dec 4, 1913; 3, Seba H., and 4,
Cromby M., b Jan 22, 1841, d unm May 10, 1915 and June 11, 1918.
6, Elbridge G., b Dec 12, 1844 m 1 Alice L. Heald. She d Dec 2,
1889; m 2 Dec 1893 Alice H. Gray. 1 ch Mary L. b abt 1897 m June
1920 Leon G. Newcomb; 7, Martha M., b Sept 25, 1846 m David Flood
Jr.; 8, Mary, b July 14, 1848 m Orin Everett; 9, Etta E., b Aug
14, 1850 m Emil J. Brackett; 10, Charles E., b July 31, 1852 m 1880
Louisa F. Bumpus of Hebron — 2 ch Alice D. b Aug 17, 1885 m Rev
Charles Brooks, a Methodist preacher, son of Rev Charles A. Brooks
of Madison; and Frank Elbridge b Dec 17, 1896 m June 1922 H. Alice
dau of Fremont H. and Isabel (Dean) Field of Paris; 11, Hannah E.,
b May 30, 1854 m A. Kinsman Hill; 13, Lizzie E., b Dec 25, 1857
lives umm with her bro, Elbridge G.; 14, Ida E., b July 11, 1861 m
Elden Hall, d July 13, 1884.
Edwin Osgood Gammon of another family, son of Weeman and
Sarah (McAllister) Gammon of No. Lovell b 1850, m Mary E. Hobson
b Oct 18, 1850. He d Mar 15, 1891 aged 41, and the family removed
from Stoneham to Norway and purchased a home on Beal St. Wid
now (Jan. 1923) resides with her dau Mrs. Merline Hayden. 6 ch —
1, George Weeman, b Oct 14, 1871 d Dec 1, 1900; 2, Merline, b
Apr 28, 1874 m 1 1897 David C. Jordan. He d Oct 15, 1900 and she
m 2 Eugene F. Hayden, 1 ch by 2 hus. Madelyn b Oct 6, 1903; 3,
Clara Mildreth, b Mar 18, 1878 d Mar 22, 1914; 4, Inez Myrtle, b
Oct 24, 1880 m George E. Richards, 1 ch Charles Sumner b Mar 1,
1907, — res in Mass; 5, Jessie Hobson, b June 16, 1882 d Aug 1884;
6, Urshal Clyde, b Apr 14, 1886 m Mary E. Drew— 4 ch, Urshal
Edwin b Mar 1, 1915, Lawrence Drew b May 14, 1917, Eileen M. b
Apr 27, 1920 and Alan b April 1922.
Gardner
John 1 Gardner was the first of the name to come to New
England from old England about 1650. His wife Mary he m at Bos¬
ton the next year and they set’d in Hingham, Mass. He d Nov 24,
1668. His wid remarried — 10 ch: John Jr., 2, the oldest of them, bap
July 17, 1651 m 1683 Mary, dau of Samuel and Mary (Farrar)
Stowell. He d Dec 16, 1700; wid d Oct 22, 1714 “aged 61.” John 3
the oldest of six children, b Jan 4, 1684, w Rebecca, had 7 ch; he d
Apr 20, 1742 and his wid remarried Samuel Whiton. John 4, the
4th ch and 1st son, b Feb 5, 1720 m 1742 Joanna Farrar bap June 19,
1720; he d Apr 19, 1802 “aged 82”— 8 ch. The 5th ch and 1st son
was named John 5 — an unbroken line of Johns for five generations.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
423
He was b Nov 30, 1751. Luther the bro of the last John b Sept 29,
1754 m 1788 Jane Mayo of Scituate but had no ch.
Jonathan, another bro, b Hingham, Jan 29, 1764 m Sarah Gard¬
ner, b Aug 26, 1757. Her ancestral line was John 1, Stephen 2, 3, 4.
All these brothers were Sols in the Rev. Jonathan and Luther were
settlers in Buckfield prior to the taking of the census there in 1800.
Jonathan d in 1836. His widow lived until about 1846. They had
10 ch. Huldah b about 1800 m John Brown of Canton. They were
the grandparents of Hannibal G. Brown, a prominent citizen of West
Paris, who passed away a few years ago at a great age. Of the ch
of Jonathan, Ira the 4th child — the only one to settle in Buckfield,
b Feb 19, 1795 m Naomi Gray of Paris b Oct 21, 1798. She was a
woman of literary tastes and abilities. He was a man of great busi¬
ness capacity, firm of purpose and puritanic in his ideas and prin¬
ciples. He was regarded as one of the wealthiest men of his day in
Buckfield. He d Sept 3, 1870. His wife had d several years before.
6 ch: 1, Columbia, b Sept 28, 1820 — was one of the most talented
and literary of the women who have been born in Buckfield. She in¬
herited her father’s firmness of purpose and her mother’s amiable
characteristics. She went South as a teacher and at the time of her
death June 16, 1856 at Mt. Vernon, Ala., where she was visiting a
friend, she was at the head of an English and French Seminary at
New Orleans, La. 2, Hannibal, b Apr 26, 1822 d young. 3, Brittania,
b Nov 2, 1823 m Samuel Thornes. 4, Oscar Fitz- Allan, b Sept 14,
1825 m Jennette T. Thornes. He was in the naval service of the
U. S. during the Mexican War; prominent in B town affairs for
many years and town clerk there at the time of his death Apr 24,
1875. His wid, a very estimable lady d in Norway Oct 16, 1902 — 3
ch: 1, Eugene L., b June 25, 1856 m Lizzie Jones of South Paris.
They have several ch and gr. ch. ; 2, Jennie Columbia, b Apr 25,
1858 m 1. William Gregg of Buckfield, 2. Chas. A. Young of Norway.
He d several years ago; wid resides in Norway; one ch by each hus¬
band: Hortense Gardner, b Jan 5, 1879 m Chester P. Gates a soldier
in the Great World War. They have one child, Roger Gardner, b
Feb 16, 1911. Charlotte J. Young, b July 27, 1887 m 1905 Fred S.
Moore — 2 ch : Queenie, b Dec 2, 1905 d in infancy and Frances, b
Jan 29, 1907. 3, Gertrude O., b May 18, 1875 — (has taught with re¬
markable success in the Norway Village schools for over 25 years.
Gibson
The Gibsons of Norway are descended from John 1 Gibson, the
English emigrant, who came to this country and settled in Newtown
now Cambridge, Mass.t abt 1633. He was b abt 1601. There is a
tradition that his wife’s name was Rebecca Gleason of Billerica and
if so they were probably married soon after he arrived in N. E. He
was made free in 1637, and was of course a church member. He and
his wife Rebecca were members of the First Church organized there
Feb 1, 1636. Some claim that he was of Scottish origin but the
weight of authority seems to establish the fact that he was English.
There is no doubt that both he and his wife Rebecca were worthy
424
HISTORY OF NORWAY
and respectable people. The wife of “Goodman Gibson” d in 1661.
He d at Cambridge in 1694, “in ye 93 year of his age.” They had
five ch: Rebecca, Mary, Martha, John and Samuel.
John 2 Gibson, b Cambridge abt 1641 m 1668 Rebecca Erring-
ton or Arrington, b abt 1643. He was a soldier, in King Philip’s
war of 1675-6 and possibly was the John Gibson who served in Capt.
Joshua Scottow’s Co. at Black Point now Scarboro, Me., where he
was captured by the Indians under their chief Mogg in Oct 1677. He
d of the small-pox Oct 15, 1679 “in ye 38 year of his age.” His wid
d Dec 4, 1713. They had four ch: Rebecca, Martha, Mary and
Timothy.
Dea. Timothy 3 Gibson b abt 1679 was taken into the family of
Abraham Holman of Cambridge soon after his father’s death and
went with him to Stow, Mass, about 1690. Mr. Holman treated him
as his own child and made him executor of his will. In 1703 he set¬
tled in Sudbury, Mass., joined the church and was a deacon for many
years. He m 1700, Rebecca Gates of Stow, b 1682 d 1754 “in ye
73 year of her age.” He d at Stow July 14, 1757 “in ye 79 year of
his age.” They had twelve ch — nine boys and three girls. It was a
stalwart race of men. Four of the sons who settled in Lunenburg,
Mass., were known as “The Gibson brothers,” and “were men of such
great size, strength and courage that the Indians did not dare to
attack them.”
Capt. Timothy 4 Gibson the second son and child b Stow, Jan
20, 1703 m 1725 Persis Rice b Sudbury Jan 10, 1707. He d at Hen-
niker, N. H. Jan 18, 1782. She d Mar 22, 1781. They had 9 ch —
seven boys and two girls.
Capt. Timothy 5 Gibson third son and child, b Stow, Dec 17,
1738 m Feb 20, 1773 Margaret Whitman b Stow Jan 14, 1755. She
was a dau of Zachariah 4, John 3, Rev Zachariah 2, Dea John 1 of
Weymouth, Mass., the English emigrant. Capt. Gibson served in the
old French and Indian war and was a member of the Provincial Con¬
gress of N. H. In 1798 he settled in Brownfield, Me. on a tract of
900 acres. He was noted as “a man of sound judgment, excellent
executive ability and one of the ablest citizens of the State.” He d
in Brownfield — bur. at East Brownfield — Jan 16, 1814. She d June
29, 1838 — 12 ch: eight boys and four girls.
Hon. Samuel 6 Gibson the youngest child b Henniker, N. H.,
Feb 22, 1797, m Nov 25, 1818 Rebecca dau of Hon. Joseph and Re¬
becca (Gleason) Howard of Brownfield, b May 1, 1793. He settled
in Denmark. He was sheriff of the county and held many other im¬
portant positions. He d at Norway, Sept 11, 1865. She d Sept 20,
1879. They had 6 ch, all b in D.: 1, Izah B. P., b Aug 13, 1819 m
Apr 9, 1840 Rev. Timothy J. Tenney, d Sept 22, 1899. 2, Rebecca Glea¬
son, b Nov 23, 1821 m Oct 4, 1843, Dr. Jesse Howe, d Feb 25, 1875.
3, Samuel Freeman, b Apr 9, 1823 m 1851 Abb Pattee b Sept 24,
1831 d Mar 4, 1861, 2. 1864 Agnes M. Ayer b May 10, 1832; he d
Bethel Oct 6, 1889 — 5 ch. 4, William Henry, b Nov 15, 1825 d Oct
J. FRANK GIBSON
MARY E. GIBSON
WM. H. GIBSON
HARRY E. GIBSON
GUY R. GIBSON
426
HISTORY OF NORWAY
19, 1828. 5, George Edwin, b July 28, 1828, m Oct 13, 1853 Mary
Eliza Randall of Bryant Pond b Apr 2, 1835. 6, Charles b Apr 9,
1830 d Jan 31, 1831.
George E. Gibson was in trade for several years with his father
at Bryant Pond. While there he became acquainted with Mary E.
Randall a school teacher and married her. She was b in Freeport.
Mr. Gibson soon after his marriage moved to Norway where he lived
for many years on the David Noyes farm, near Norway Center, which
he purchased. Here his children were born. He was one of the lead¬
ing men of the town, when the writer first became acquainted with
its citizens. He is remembered as moderator at the town meetings
and no one ever presided better or more fairly and efficiently. He d
in Cal. Mar 18, 1901. His w d there Nov 3, 1900 — 8 ch: 1, Fred H.,
b June 4, 1855 m Mollie Christensen, res Cloverdale, Cal., teacher and
School Supt in Norway, and is now Judge of the Cloverdale Mun
Court. At one time he had financial interests in the Philippine
Islands. Has been around the world. Lived in San Francisco at
the time of the great earthquake and fire there in 1906; 3 ch — two d
young, Mary C. m Robert Foster, res Cloverdale, Cal. 2, John Frank,
b Feb 28, 1857 m 1. Charlotte S., dau of Henry H. and Sarah (Moul¬
ton) Hobbs b Jan 20, 1859. She d July 8, 1893— -m 2. Bessie M.
George b in Ills; ch all by 1. w: 1, Addie m Paschal Bequette, 3 ch:
Paschal Jr., Charlotte and Margaret; 2, Ora m Earl Lipscomb, 2 ch,
John and Frank; 3, George m and lives at Visalia; 4, Jack m and
lives at Visalia.
J. Frank Gibson settled in Tulare, Cal., but later removed to
Visalia the county seat, where he has large financial interests and is
prominent in the business affairs of the city. He is one of the prin¬
cipal leaders of his party in his section of the state and was a dele¬
gate from Cal. to the republican national convention at Chicago in
1916. He is one of the most successful business men who ever went
away from Norway.
3, George E. Jr., b Feb 11, 1859 m Marguerite Miller, res San
Francisco. Real Est Agt and stock broker; 2 ch: Ruby and Geo. E.
Jr. 4, Abb E., b Jan 2, 1861 m M. Mitchell, res Visalia, Cal. He d
abt 1909 — no issue. She was Post-mistress in Norway for several
years before going West, and was popular with all classes. 5, Harry
E., b May 5, 1863 m Emma L. dau of N. Bradley Frost. He was in
business in Norway for many years. Removed to Visalia, Cal. in
1922; 4 ch: Annie E., m Ralph Harriman; Marian, Leslie, a grad of
Bowdoin, and Mary. 6, Mary L., b Apr 16, 1866, lives at Visalia,
unm. 7, Wm. Howard, b May 22, 1868 m Frances M. Rechels, res
Newman, Cal. He is an inn-keeper; 2 ch: Frank and Harold. 8,
Guy Randall, b Nov 22, 1877 m Alice Anderson. He is a Supt at
Roseville near Sacramento, Cal. on Southern Pacific R. R.; 2 ch:
Randall and Howard.
Godwin
David A. Godwin m Abigail Bessey of Woodstock, dau of Caleb
and Abigail (Packard) Bessey. She was the dau of the Rev Sol,
Daniel Packard and his wife Elizabeth Connelly, who were two of the
principal characters in “The Spy” written by Fenimore Cooper.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
427
David A. Godwin had 9 ch: Charles O., the 3 ch b Oct 26, 1833 m
Vesta G., dau of Daniel and Vesta Austin of Buckfield. He was
prominent in the temperance movement, a good speaker, P. M. at
E. Waterford, etc. They d in Woodstock — he, Dec 5, 1905 and she,
July 17, 1919 bur in Pine Grove. 4 ch: 1, Frank L., b Sept 28, 1855
m Martha A. Greene of Norway, d Apr 1, 1898—2 ch, Charles F. and
Lillian G.; she m Ernest Ross and had Frank, res Boston. 2, Julia,
b Jan 25, 1857 m Elwin S. Russell b Jan 6, 1859, no ch, res Norway.’
3, Ellen Josephine, b Jan 1, 1859 m 1. Edward C. Hilton of Waterford,
2. Wm. E. Sanborn, 3. Elmer S. Hammon; res Norway, 6 ch: all by
1. hus: 1, Vesta, b May 31, 1881 m Wm. R. Jenkins, res Norway, ch,
Jane, b Oct 9, 1917; 2, Lyman L., b Nov 13, 1883, m 1. Ina Gammon,
2. Pearl Weeks; no ch, res No. Conway, N. H.; 3, Melvina A., b Apr
7, 1866 m Irving Stanley, 3 ch: Wendell, b Oct 6, 1903, Evelyn, b
Aug 27, 1906 and Dorothy, b May 2, 1908; res So. Paris. 4, Clar¬
ence P., b Dec 5, 1891 m Grace Tuttle, no ch; res Canaan; 5, Anna
E., b May 18, 1895 m 1. Willis H. Warren, 2. Herman C. Lewis;
one ch by each hus: Carla Frances b Apr 2, 1914, and Walter C., b
Apr 25, 1920, res Norway; 6, Hattie Frances, b Apr 8, 1897 m Ev¬
erett C. Normandie, a sol in the World War, res Boston, Mass., 1 ch
b 1923. 4, Abbie A., b Aug 31, 1861 m Charles A. Mixer of Paris.
She d Mar 26, 1889. He d Apr 15, 1889 — 3 ch: Daniel A., Ethel F.,
and Nelson I.
Goodwin
William Goodwin, elder of the church at Newtown, now Cam¬
bridge, Mass., was probably the first of the name to settle in New
England. He came from England in 1632 on the Lion’s last voyage,
Capt. Pierce master. Two years after he was chosen as the first reg¬
ular representative to the Gen. Court at Boston. His name was
spelled Goodwyne. He d in 1674.
Ephraim Goodwin, b July 13, 1779 lived in St. Albans. He m
Olive McCausland, b Oct 10, 1787. He d there June 17, 1861. She
d June 18, 1866—12 ch: Wm. H., 4th ch b Nov 10, 1810 m Huldah K.
Wing, b Nov 10, 1817. He d Aug 12, 1874; she d Sept 29, 1892; 2 ch:
1, Hon. Stuart H., b Sept 5, 1849 m Myra Finson, b Dec 27, 1850; he
was a county official in Somerset for many years, served in the legis¬
lature from St. Albans, was prominent in town affairs and an ener¬
getic and capable business man. He d Nov 14, 1914; 4 ch: Stuart W.,
2d ch b St. Albans Apr 2, 1884, came to Norway Sept 4, 1906 and
entered the office of Freeland Howe, Ins Agt as clerk. After the
death of Mr. Howe he succeeded him in the business in April 1912.
He m Margaret, dau of Austin P. and Mary (Thayer) Stearns. They
have two ch: 1, Norman S., b Mar 4, 1911; 2, Robert W., b Mar 31,
1914.
Daniel W. Goodwin of a different family, though distantly con¬
nected, is a farmer living in the south part of thee town, near the
old county road from Greenwood into Oxford. He m Ava L. Pin-
gree — ch: Donnie M., Webster C., Eva G., Harry M., Archie G., and
Cecil C. Webster C. m 1903, Nellie M. Wheeler; ch: Cedric, d young,
428
HISTORY OF NORWAY
a dau b Oct 16, 1907 and a son b Jan 21, 1910. Harry M. m 1912
Anna S. Frost. Archie Gibbs m 1916, Mildred Hersey; ch: Norman
Archie, Natalie, and Gordon C.
Grant
James Grant, a painter and musician, b May 12, 1834 m Char¬
lotte En Earl, b Dec 19, 1837. He d Oct 9, 1884; wid survived many
years dying May 30, 1904; ch: Mary E., m James C. True; Harriet
J., m 1900 Dr. Edward E. Twombly of Colebrook, N. H. ; Wilbur V.,
d Oct 2, 1918; Jennie S., m 1892, Harley H. Danforth who d in 1905;
James H., d June 20, 1919; Morris S.; and Charlotte M., m 1902
George B. Bennett of South Paris.
Greene
Capt. Wm. M. Greene, Jr., came to Norway shortly after 1850.
He had been for many years in command of a merchant vessel; was
b in Portland in 1819. His father, who m Hannah R. Gould had also
been a sea captain as had his grandfather, Capt. Josiah Greene of
Gorham who m Eunice Newcomb. The 3d Capt. Greene m 1848
Abiah S. Frost. He d July 21, 1892; wid d Apr 11, 1902—4 ch: 1,
Frank T., b 1849 m 1874 Mary A. Parker and had Merton P. Mr. G.
is a carpenter and resides at Norway Lake village; 2, Herbert W
b 1855 m 1883 Alfaretta L. Keith; 3, Edmund F. C., b 1859 m Violetta
A. Buker. He lives on the old homestead — the original Nathaniel
Stevens place at Norway Center; 4, Elfanah A., b 1868, unm.
Greenlaw
Norman U. Greenlaw, son of Hiram U. and Annie (Stevens)
Greenlaw of Auburn, b May 13, 1895, m Bernice Hood, b Feb 7, 1895.
2 ch: David Sutton, b Dec 6, 1919; Mary, b Mar 14, 1923. He grad¬
uated at Pratt Tech Inst. Teacher for several years. Came to
Norway in 1919 and engaged in the auto business. In 1921 formed
partnership in the grocery and meat business with Ernest B. Jackson.
Greenleae
Stephen Greenleaf, b Boston, Mass., Jan 27, 1779 m Jan 24, 1804
Mary, dau of James and Mercy (Burbank) Savery of Plymouth, b
May 22, 1784. He came to Norway in 1805 and engaged in the cabi¬
net making business which he followed through life. He was an ex¬
emplary citizen. He d July 4, 1854. His wid d Nov 18, 1858.
Stephen Greenleaf was 6th in descent from Edmund Greenleaf, the
English emigrant ancestor bap Jan 2, 1594. He was twice married,
1. to Sarah Dole and 2. to Sarah (Jardine) Hill. Both he and his 2.
w d in 1671. First w d in 1663 — 11 ch by 1. w: John, 2, b a'bt 1632 m
1665 Hannah dau of Wm. Veazie of Braintree. Was a shipwright
and lived in Boston; d Dec 16, 1712. Of their 9 ch was Stephen 3,
b Mar 5, 1677. He had a son Stephen 4, and a g son Stephen 5 b abt
1737 m Emma Blowers b 1740; he d 1782; she d Jan 1786. They were
the parents of Stephen Greenleaf who settled in Norway 10 ch. 1,
Fanny O. b Aug 4, 1804 m J. Wellington Hobbs; 2, Sally E., b June
24, 1806 d Sept 2, 1828; 3, Mary, b Aug 24, 1807 m Cyrus S. Cush-
HISTORY OF NORWAY
429
man b 1802. She d July 30, 1836—4 ch: Cyrus Francis; Sarah E., m
Alfred Noyes of Mass; Louisa and Jane. 4, Stephen, b May 16, 1809
m Jane H. Hill b May 7, 1809 d Nov 19, 1846. He d in Mass, Apr
1884 ch: Mark Hill, b 1840 m Annie Sawyer of Brighton, Mass.;
no ch. 5, Emma Blowers, b May 11, 1811 m April 3, 1831 John Hatch
of New Gloucester b Sept 16, 1800 d in Norway Feb 9, 1869. 6,
James Savery, b Feb 5, 1814 m 1838 Jane T., dau of Wm. C. Whitney.’
Removed to So. Abington, Mass., in 1864 and d there. 7, Priscilla C.,
b Dec 30, 1817 m 1842 Jacob S. Cushman b July 13, 1819; res Wake¬
field, Mass. 8, Martha Bartlett, b July 17, 1819 m William Mills;
res Lawrence, Mass. 9, Mercy E., b May 23, 1823 d Sept 5, 1825’.
10, George Washington, b Oct 10, 1825 m 1855 Ruth A. Glines; d in
Portland Oct 9, 1864. He d Oct 15, 1868—5 ch: Iva Jane m Fred
Everett, Emma F., b Mar 17, 1859, d in infancy, Edward Ivan, b
July 16, 1860 d Aug 8, 1864, Emma Frances, b Dec 31, 1862 d Aug
8, 1880, and Oscar, b Aug 23, 1864 d Mar 11, 1880.
James Savery who m Jane T. Whitney, was a carpenter and
builder, and one of the enterprising citizens who purchased the Joshua
Smith tavern in the village, which was named the Elm House. He re¬
moved to Mass, in 1864—6 ch: 1, Charles F., b Sept 20, 1839 m 1864
Euphemia J. Bradbury b Mar 10, 1837, 2. Cora M. Whitman; a Civil
War sol, and d in Oxford. 2, Helen, b Oct 28, 1841 m Nov 5, 1859
Philo S. Cherry, a Civil War sol; res Red Creek, N. Y.; wid resides
(1923) in Norway, 6 ch: Charles H., b Sept 5, 1860 m Viola Ardie;
George, b Oct 10, 1862 d Jan 27, 1866; Fanny, b Mar 17, 1864 d 1879;
Nellie, b June 29, 1865 m Nelson W. Smith, Montreal; Myron, b May
13, 1878, and Willard res. at Red Creek. 3, Solomon Cushman, b Jan
17, 1846 m 1871 Savannah, Ga., Susan Compton b 1844; he d there
1882; 2 ch: George Henry and James Savery. 4, Mary Jane, b Apr
25, 1848 m Odillon LinneJl; no ch. He d Nov 1, 1905 aged 56. She d
Mar 3, 1918 abt 70. 5, Flora, b Oct 15, 1850 res Sedalia, Mo. 6,
James, b Mar 23, 1853 d Boston, May 20, 1884.
Andrew Peterson Greenleaf (James B., Daniel, David, Daniel,
John, Stephen, Edmund), b Rumford, Apr 16, 1825 m 1. Betsey Ward-
well of Otisfield d 1852, 2. Betsey Washburn Faunce b Dec 31, 1828.
He was dept sheriff for many years. Enlisted in Co. A, 29th Me., and
was k at Cedar Creek, W. Va., Oct 19, 1864 — his first battle. She d
June 10, 1908; 4 ch, 1 by 1. w; Ella B., b Mar 15, 1852 m Clarence
Holmes; she d Dec 1, 1889. 2, Elgin A., b Hebron Oct 18, 1853 m
1883, Hattie Jaques b 1858. Has been a R. R. employee and runs
(1920) a summer camp at Moosehead Lake; w d Aug 3, 1920 aged
64; no ch. 3, Alma W., b Feb 17, 1855 m Clem Bailey; she d July
25, 1914 — no ch. 4, Frank F., b Norway Feb 26, 1857 d Feb 7, 1865.
George Barton, son of James B. Greenleaf, b Rumford Feb 3, 1833
m 1857 Eliza W. Faunce of Hebron. He d Bethel Mar 18, 1876.
She m 2. Freeman Hutchinson. He d many years ago; 2 ch by 1.
hus: 1, George Herbert b July 20, 1860; and 2, Harry Faunce b Au¬
burn, May 10, 1868 m 1892 Edith L. Abbott of Albany; 4 ch: George
L., b Oct 26, 1893 m Edith G. Millett of Waterford; 1 ch — Florence;
Elgin A., b Feb 12, 1896 m Ruth Noble b Aug 29, 1897; Carroll Ray¬
mond m Esther Gladys Abbott and Carlton S., b Jan 30, 1910.
430
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Robert H. bro of George Barton b Mar 6, 1834 m Olivia Gray of
Paris, set’d in Albuquerque, N. M. ; 2 ch: 1, Victor m Susan Blake
of Oxford. Read law with Judge Wilson — ad Oxford Bar, setl’d in
Albuquerque, N. M.; 2, John, set’d in Mass.
Mariah P., sister of Robert H., b Feb 11, 1843 m Henry Davis of
Milton PI. She d July 1889 — 4 ch: George, Cora, Frank and Lizzie.
Elbridge Millett Greenleaf (Samuel, William, Jonathan, Gard¬
ner, Stephen, Samuel, Stephen, Edmund), b Otisfield Sept 19, 1856 m
1883 Ellen F., dau of Benj. S. and Margaret Farrar of Norway b Dec
28, 1858, con. and builder, res Auburn — 4 ch: Margaret F., b July
23, 1884; Virginia G., b July 18, 1886; Mabel, b Aug 11, 1887, arid
Florence E., b Mar 27, 1893.
Charles Edward, bro of Elbridge M., b Otisfield Feb 28, 1854 m
Nellie A., dau of Hiram Dinsmore of Auburn. He was a con. and
builder like his father-in-law. He d several years ago — 2 ch: Edna
C., deceased, and Elmer D.
Hatch
Thomas Hatch, the English emigrant ancestor, came to N. E. in
1634 and settled first at Dorchester, but removed to Scituate. He d
abt 1646. Of his ch were Thomas Jr., and William. Willliam was a
sol in King Philip’s War of 1675 and received therefor a grant of
land by the colony. He had no male issue.
Thomas Jr., m 1662 Sarah Elms and had 11 ch. John Hatch
who came to Norway from New Gloucester in the fifties is said to be
a descendant of Thomas Jr., but may possibly trace his line to Samuel
Hatch, who was a vol sol in the Pequot War of 1637. John was b
Oct 16, 1800 and m Emma B., dau of Stephen Greenleaf, the early
cabinet maker in Norway. He d Feb 9, 1869. She d July 17, 1876 —
6 ch: 1, James L., b Feb 13, 1832, grad at Bowdoin class of 1854 m
Mary J. Cushman of Brunswick, setl’d in Charleston, S. C., where
he was owner and editor of a journal. He was a very able young
man, d in 1858; 1 ch, John Edwin, b Jan 19, 1854. 2, Isabel Bennett,
b Mar 1834 m H. A. Whitney of Portland, d Montreal 1866. 3, Olive
C., b Jan 6, 1836, was an artist. Lived 23 yrs in the South. Was in
Columbia, S. C. when Gen. Wm. T. Sherman’s Army passed through
the city; d unm Feb 2, 1917. 4, Stephen Greenleaf b July 12, 1839 m
Ida E. Bradbury; 1 ch, John Osgood, b Apr 1, 1869 drowned Oct 6,
1887. He d Sept. 17, 1920. 5, Iva Tenney, b Aug 18, 1842 m Wm.
H. Whitcomb. She d Sept 1, 1895; 1 sur ch, Isabel Hatch, b July 27,
1866, res Oconto, Wis., unm, 1922. 6, Izah Tenney, b Aug 18, 1842 m
Prof. Ozias Whitman.
Haskell
Charles Henry Haskell came to Norway from Otisfield in the
seventies. He was a “knight of the road,” and was in the employ of
Huston & Co. of Auburn for many years. He was one of the most
respected of our citizens. Mr. Haskell was b Mar 20, 1827 and m
Diantha Laura, dau of William and g dau of David Frost, the
pioneer, on Frrost Hill. She was b July 17, 1830 and was a twin of
Nathaniel G. Frost, a Civil War sol who lost a leg and was taken
prisoner at the famous mine explosion at Petersburg, Va. Charles H.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
431
Haskell and his wife had five daughters. He d May 9, 1893; wid d
Aug 11, 1911 at 81— Ch: 1, Maty F., b May 1, 1854 m James Dan-
forth, d May 3, 1903, 4 ch, 2 sons and 2 daus (see Danforth). 2,
Elvira L., b Mar 10, 1856 d Oct 15, 1885. 3, Ada V., b May 15, 1858
m Eugene F. Smith, d Jan 27, 1889. 4, Ella H., b Feb 27, 1860 m
Charles S. Cummings, d July 8, 1888. 5, Annie L., b Sept 19, 1863
d July 31, 1882.
Hathaway
Lazarus Hathaway of Middleboro, Mass, m 1774 Olive Pratt of
Bridgewater. Both were of old Plymouth colony families. He was a
Rev Sol. Came to Paris soon after census of 1800 was taken and
settled in the Swift neighborhood. He d before 1816. His son,
Lazarus Jr., b Middleboro, Jan 3, 1882, m Lucy Cole of Paris. He
came to Paris with his father’s family, was a prominent citizen and
served five terms in the legislature. He d Sept 10, 1864. Of his
10 ch all b in Paris, were Lorenzo b May 29, 1808 and Almena Jane,
b Aug 30, 1821, who m 'Sidney Perham of WoodsLock, Congressman
and Governor of Maine.
Lorenzo settled in Norway and m 1. Lydia Jones, 2. Alice Jones,
3. Matilda (Dunham) Lindsey. His 1. w d Jan 7, 1846 — 5 ch 2 by 1.
w and 3 by 3. w. 1, Charles Larenzo, b Sept 6, 1839 m 1. Clara H.
Dunham, 2. Nellie (Fox) French; 1. w d Dec 9, 1911. He d May 2,
1914 — 1 ch, Bertie Dunham, b Oct 11, 1867 — d young. 2, Julia Eliza¬
beth, b Feb 11, 1844, d unm. 3, Sergt George Franklin, b May 17, 1854
m Ellen McCausland. He served 5 yrs in the regular army in Texas;
4 yrs on Bangor police force and has been a member of the board of
selectmen since 1916; 2 ch: Merle F., b Jan 29, 1878 m Mary E.
Hatch; Clara Louise, b Bangor, m Homer R. Luck. 4, Addison, b
Aug 24, 1856, d young. 5, Gertrude, b Feb 19, 1859 m Alpheus E.
Briggs, setl’d in Mass, d several years ago.
Hayden
John Hayden, the English emigrant ancestor of the Haydens
of Norway, is said to have come to N. E. in 1630 in the Mary and
John and settled with the colonists at Dorchester and to have married
Susanna — soon after his coming. They removed to Braintree where
he d abt 1678. Of their children was John Jr., 2, b 1635 who m
Hannah Ames. Joseph 3, their 8th child m Elizabeth - . Of
their ten ch was Joseph Jr, 4, b May 4, 1699 — “probably married
Mary Vinal of Scituate.” (Hayden Genealogy). History of Scituate
states that “John Hayden came into Scituate from Hingham in 1720.
He married Mary Vinal in 1723.” She was b Nov 13, 1701. William
5 m 1744 Ann Stetson, b June 2, 1724. Peleg 6 m Rhoda Jenkins.
Henry 7, their son b Sept 19, 1787 m Anna P. Guptill b No. Berwick
Jan 15, 1792. They were the parents of John J. Hayden who came
to Norway. He was an iron moulder by trade b Boston, Mass., Feb
14, 1820 and m there Clara A. Ames b Jan 25, 1829. He did not come
to Norway till after 1850 but she and their oldest child were here
when the census of that year was taken. John J. Hayden d. Sept 23,
1876. His wid survived him 46 years dying with mental faculties
unimpaired Apr 28, 1922, at the age of 93. She was the oldest native
432
HISTORY OF NORWAY
ARTHUR P. HAYDEN
CLARA A. HAYDEN AT 93
HISTORY OF NORWAY
433
born person in town at the time of her death— 12 ch: 1, Emma Isa¬
dora b Dec 6, 1848 m 1871 James B. Chaffin, res Buckfield. He d
many years ago. She d in 1923—7 ch: Harry M., b Apr 19, 1872,
d Jan 10, 1900; Clara Hayden, b Mar 9, 1874 m Frank Thayer; John
G., b Oct 6, 1876 d Feb 4, 1901; Mary Emma, b Aug 29, 1878; m
Bert Tilton; Dora Belle, b June 16, 1880 m Geo. Fisher; Albion
Eugene, b Feb 24, 1885 m Ella Keene, and James B. Jr., b Oct 26,
1887 m Gladys Cobb. 2, Clara Augusta, b May 4, 1851 m Dr. Fred
E. Drake— 1 ch, Amy, d Aug 15, 1884 “aged 4 yrs. 5 mos. 10 das.”
3. Henry Baker, b Mar 28, 1853 m Eva Stevens, setl’d in Paris; ch,
Clara d at age of three yrs and six mos. 4, Charles Francis, b Apr
1, 1855 d in infancy. 5, John Jenkins, b Apr 8, 1856 m Georgia A.
Dean, setl’d at South Paris — 4 ch: Georgia Luella m Clarence Morton
and has Helen, Hugh and Priscilla; Amy G. m Haliburton Crandle-
mire and has Barbara and Mary; Mary d in infancy and Pauline D.
16, lives with her parents. 6, Charles Herbert, b May 28, 1858 m
1888 Alma Pendexter b York County in 1856. He d June 17, 1896 —
2 ch: 1, Arthur P. b Beverly, Mass. Nov 17, 1886 m 1912
Lulu E. Emmons, he is a draughtsman, and factory supt. etc; 2 ch:
Arthur Pendexter b 1913, res Manchester, N. H., Nellie, b Oct 20,
1888 m 1. Nathaniel Holden, 2. David Hubbell, res Bellefonte, Pa;
4 ch: Hayden by 1. hus, and Alma, Doris and David Charles, by 2.
7. Eugene Favor, b Sept 24, 1860 m Merline (Gammon) Jordan, 1
ch, Madelyn, b Oct 6, 1903. 8, Samuel Hatch, b Mar 3, 1863 m Grace
M. Clement setl’d in Haverhill, Mass — 4 ch: Carl Clement, b Apr 29,
1886 m Elthea M. Hopkinson; 4 ch, Joan, Carl Clement Jr., Samuel
Frederick and Thomas Alfred; Bryce Barnett, b May 27, 1888 d Dec
21, 1908; Caroline Winchester, b Sept 29, 1895 m Arthur DeWint
Baker of N. Y. ; 2 ch, Arthur DeWint Jr., and Rosanna; Mary Adeline
b July 23, 1897 m Wm. Judson Dean of Rockport, Mass.; 2 ch, Mary
Clement and Wm. Judson Jr. 9, Annie Florence, b Mar 7, 1866 m
Frank P. Knight of Manchester, Mass. Mrs. Knight is a graduate of
Norway High school where she took high rank in her studies, and was
a general favorite with her classmates, teachers and school officials.
She is a lady of exceptional intelligence, with graceful and attractive
ways and sweetness of disposition. She wrote the centennial poem
at the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the settlement of
the town. Mr. Frank P. Knight is one of the ablest and most substan¬
tial of the business men of his home place and has large holdings in
mines and other property. He is a descendant of John Knight of
Rowley Hants, England, who came to this country in 1670 and settled
at Newbury, Mass. — 6 ch: Samuel, Rowland H., Frank P. Jr., Helen
Hayden, George P. and Mary Ames. Samuel was in the Great World
War in France and Roland H. is treasurer of the Iron Cap Copper
Co. Both are married. 10, Dr. Frank Augustus, b May 17, 1868 m
1. Ethel M. Dean of Paris, 2. Phyllis McCuno; 2 ch: Phyllis and
Robert; res Chelsea, Vt.. 11, Caroline E., b July 21, 1871 m Howard
L. Winchester of Manchester, Mass; 1 ch, Marshall m Adelaide
Winne. 12, Arthur Edward, b Oct 24, 1873; d young.
434
HISTORY OF NORWAY
MR. AND MRS. FRANK P. KNIGHT AND FAMILY
SAMUEL GEORGE P.
HELEN H. MR. FRANK P.
FRANK P., JR.
MRS. ANNIE F.
ROLAND H.
MARY A.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
435
Heath
Alonzo H. Heath, b Apr 29, 1831 was a sol in the Civil War from
Greenwood, where he lived. He d June 23, 1910 and is bur in the
Richardson Hollow Cem. His wife was Sarah Blodgett b Sept 16,
1836. She was living in 1918 at Noble’s Corner, past 80 yrs old.’
Timothy L., her son, is a stone mason, contractor, etc. He m Abbie
N. Noyes — ch: Marsh Hudson, b Mar 1893 d Nov 10, 1904, and Clay¬
ton E., m Marian R., dau of James and Mary E. (Grant) True _
res Winthrop, Mass.
Henley
John Henley, a Rev Sol, from Reading, Mass., b abt 1759 m
1<91 Sarah, dau of David Upton, sen b 1767. He came to the Cum¬
mings tract and settled south of Fuller’s Corner near Amos Upton’s
in 1794. The family was moved to their new house in early spring¬
time with an ox team, prob in 1795. He did marvelous work at
felling trees and clearing land, and in every respect was a good citi¬
zen. His wife was noted for her sterling qualities, her great ability
and intelligence. This tradition of her moral worth and intellectual¬
ity has survived in her descendants to the present generation. They
removed from Norway to Great Chebeague Island in Casco Bay about
1836. He d at his son’s home in Portland abt 1837 at 77. She d on
Great Chebeague in 1863 at 96—9 ch: 1, Jeremiah, b abt 1893 came
to Norway on an ox team with father’s family. Removed to Port¬
land and d there; m 1, Mary Blanchard of Norway, 2. Mercy M. Bas-
ford. 2, Hannah, b Norway abt 1795 m Frye Eastman, setl’d in No.
Conway, N. H., and d there. 3, Betsey, b abt 1797 m A. Seavey,
set’d in No. Conway and d there. 4, Sarah, b abt 1799 m Hugh Mer-
riman, setl’d in Harpswell and d there. 5, Serena, b abt 1802 m Rob¬
ert Hamilton of Great Chebeague — lived and d there. 6, Polly, b abt
1806 m John Hamilton of Chebeague — lived and d there. 7, Benja¬
min, b Feb 14, 1805 m Elizabeth Merriman of Harpswell — lived and
d at South Portland Nov 4, 1880. His son, Geo F. Henley was a
noted teacher in the high schools of the State. 8, John Jr., b 1809 m
and lived on Great Chebeague. 9, Nancy, b abt 1811 m Edmund
Sawyer — lived and d on Great Chebeague.
Jeremiah Henley was twice married. 1. wife Mary Blanchard
d Aug 11, 1832, aged 35. He d in Portland past 80 yrs of age. Sev¬
eral ch, some d young. Mary by 1. w b Feb 13, 1823 m Washington
French. They were the parents of Dr. Augustus N. French. She d
Mar 1875. John S., b abt 1839 enlisted from Otisfield in Norway Co.
G of the 10th Me. and d at the Relay House, Md., Dec 8, 1861.
Pliney B., b abt 1840 was in the same Co. and was dis for disability.
Afterwards lived and had a family in Lovell.
Herrick
Jacob W. Herrick, b Minot, Dec 5, 1805 m Lucy Chadbourn of
Oxford, b Sept 7, 1807. His parents were Joseph and Lydia (Saf-
ford) Herrick and his paternal grandfather was John of Gloucester,
Mass. He came to Norway about 1841 — d Mar 8, 1889; wid d Aug 7,
1896 aged 89 — 9 ch: 1, Joseph Franklin, b Aug 1, 1829 m Francena J.
436
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Penley. He d Jan 31, 1896. She d Nov 7, 1882; 4 ch: Charles Fre¬
mont m Alice M. Longley of Candia, N. H., Ephraim C., Addie May
and Lulu E., b Feb 9, 1874 m Guy L. Curtis. 2, Daniel A., b Mar 22,
1831. 3, Mary C., b Apr 10, 1833 d Mar 5. 1848. 4, Wm. Henry, b
June 3, 1836 m Betsey Kane. He d Mar 13, 1907; ch, Arthur A., b
Sept 24, 1877 m Ethelyn A. Cummings. She d 1908 aged 24. 5, Alice
A., b May 23, 1840 m 1. Charles Boulter, 2. Edward R. Kneeland —
no oh. 6, Sarah E., b Dec 21, 1842 m Sylvanus - . 7, Jonathan
S., b Aug 9, 1845 m Hannah W. Brickett, b July 16, 1850. He d June
15, 1911. She d Sept 14, 1899; 4 ch: Georgia, b Sept 6, 1868; Mary E.,
b Aug 23, 1871 m Frank A. Harwood; Fanny L., b Mar 27, 1874 m
Oscar N. Cox, and Florence A., b Apr 3, 1880. 8, Lydia J., b Oct.
4, 1846 m Charles Thayer. 9, George W., b June 26, 1848 m Hannah
Jane Frost, b 1850. She d Dec 28, 1916.
Herring
Capt. Benjamin Herring, a sea-fardng man, came to Cape Ann,
Mass., abt 1720. His wife d in New Gloucester nearly 100 years old.
Their son Benjamin b at C. A. abt 1725 m Experience Annis. He
was in a privateer’s crew in the Rev War and was taken prisoner,
killed, or was lost at sea. His wid d in Norway in 1817 aged 88, and
was buried in Pike’s Hill Cem.
Benjamin, the Norway pioneer b C. A., Sept 3, 1761, was a Rev
Sol. He m Esther Robinson. He d Feb 3, 1843. She d Mar 4, 1844.
11 ch. Only a very few of their descendants live in Norway. 2,
Benjamin, b Oct 25, 1783 m Deborah Bradbury, d May 22, 1868. 4,
Experience, b June 16, 1790, m Nathaniel Parsons, d Oct 22, 1855.
6, Mary, b Dec 24, 1794 m Samuel Crockett, d Nov 4, 1877. 8, Sarah,
b Jan 13, 1800 m Jonathan Stevens. 10, Harriet, b June 23, 1804 m
Capt. Jonathan Whitehouse.
Hersey
Wilfred Asa Hersey, son of William A. Hersey, b Charlton,
Mass, in 1880, came to Waterford with his parents in 1887 and set¬
tled on a farm near Noble’s Corner, Norway, in 1897. He m
Ella C., dau of Albert P. and Sarah B. (Penley) Farnham, b Jan
6, 1878. Albert P. Farnham was a sol in the Civil War from Albion,
in Co. H 19th Me., one of the Regts that was attacked by Gen. Geo.
E. Pickett’s command on the 3rd day at Gettysburg. Mr. Farnham
came to Norway in 1867 and m 1. Laura B. dau of Isaiah V. and Mary
(Crockett) Penley. She d and he m 2. her sister, Sarah B. Penley.
2 ch by 2. w. Edith L., b Jan 16, 1875 m Howard A. Knightly, and
Ella C. m Wilfred A. Hersey. Mr. Farnham lived for many years
on the Ephraim S. Crockett place near North Pond, but sold out a
few years ago and moved to South Paris where he died.
Mr. Wilfred A. Hersey is one of Norway’s most prosperous
farmers and lumbermen. He served five yrs on the board of select¬
men — 4 ch: 1, Blanche E., b Feb 12, 1903, 2, Marilla B., b Nov. 6,
1909, 3, Sarah F., b July 4, 1912, and Bertha C., b Feb 10, 1920.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
437
Jackson
Lemuel Jackson, Jr., b Middleboro, 1762 m Susan Hammond and
was one of the earliest settlers in Paris — then No. 4 — and located on
Paris Hill. Dea. John Willis, who m his sister Patience was also
one of the earliest settlers there. His father called by Elder Hooper
Old Mr. Lemuel Jackson” came afterwards. He was a man of prop¬
erty and brought with him quite a sum of money for those times,
which he lent to the settlers and used in buying land. He d in 1815.
(His heirs were taxed in direct tax of 1816.) Twice m, 5 ch by
Jemima Sampson 1. w, who d about 1801 and one by w Susanna Cole,
who d Nov 2, 1834 aged 73. Lemuel Jr., settled on the north slope
of Paris Hil, afterwards the Parris, Kimball and Carter places. He
d in 1816. His w had d in 1792 and he m a 2. w by whom he had two
ch, one of whom, Susan, m Rev. Ransom Dunham. Lemuel Jackson
by 1. w b Mar 17, 1784 m Nancy, dau of Abner Foster of Newry.
They lived in Paris near the Norway town line in the vicinity of the
Millett neighborhood. He d in Sept, 1830. She d in Dec, 1860. Two
of their ch m and settled in the Millett neighborhood, and another,
Hannah Foster m George Farnum of Rumford. Their son, George
L., was severely wounded in the arm in the Civil War and had
started in Norway upon a brilliant career as a trial lawyer in the
courts, when his career was cut short by death.
Ezekiel C., b Apr 3, 1821 m Abigail Parsons, dau of Col. John
Millett. He was a vet surgeon and a horse fancier. “Zeke” Jack-
son was widely known in his day. He was an habitual caller at the
Elm House stables. He d Feb 10, 1903. His w d Jan 13, 1899 — 4
ch : Dora, b Apr 25, 1859, Ezekiel, b Apr 13, 1861 d in infancy,
Chandler, b June 1, 1861, and Belle, a school teacher, b Nov 20, 1865.
Abner Foster, b Nov 14, 1827, m 1. Mary (Morrill) dau of Col.
John Millett. She d and he m 2. Harriet A. dau of Maj. Henry W.
Millett. He lived on the Col John Millett place in the Millett neigh¬
borhood, which he and his sons made one of the very best farms in
town. Mr. Jackson was regimental sutler of the 23d Me in the Civ
War. He d Oct. 7, 1913. 2. w d Mar 5, 1908. 7 ch: 2 by 1. w. 1, Mary
Eva, b Feb 24, 1856 m Edwin M. Everett, d Mar 24, 1888; 2, John
Millett, b Apr 6, 1858 m Cora B. Carr, set’d in Ashland N. H. Ins
Agt; 3, Harry Millett, b Dec 20, 1865 m 1909 Una M. Westleigh.
Lives on the place formerly owned by Daniel Cummings. Served sev.
yrs on the board of sel. 2 sons and a dau; 4, Abner Foster Jr., b
Mar 29, 1868 m 1915 Lois N. Morse; 5, Rust, b May 26, 1871 m 1921
Carrie L. Bradley of Milton, Mass, and lives on the old homestead; 6,
Solomon Isaiah, b June 6, 1873 m 1910 Eva B. Willis — 2 ch, a son and
a dau; 7, Newhall, b July 14, 1875 d Oct 23, 1895. He was a student
in coll at the time of his death — a fine young man.
Ernest Benj Jackson b West Paris Oct 31, 1881 m Retta Berry.
They have one ch Nolan B., b Oct 24, 1914. Mr. Jackson is the son
of Benj. Franklin and Lydia A. (Knapp) Jackson, grandson of Benj.
and Keziah Paine and great-grandson of Lemuel and Susan Ham¬
mond Jackson. They were among the earliest settlers on Paris Hill.
438
HISTORY OF NORWAY
He built the “Arabella Carter” house in which his family resided.
Ernest B. Jackson for several years has been a prominent business
man of Norway.
Johnson
Asa Johnson a Rev Sol from Mass, set’d in Waterford in 1786.
He m Hannah Horr. Ira, one of their nine ch came here from
Waterford in 1826. He was b June 7, 1796 and m Mary Towne. He
was undoubtedly descended from one of the Johnsons who emigrated
to Mass in Gov John Winthrop’s colony in 1630 and set’d at Boston
and vicinity. Ira Johnson set’d in the extreme western part of the
town adjoining Waterford town line. He d Dec 27, 1878. Wid d Feb
24, 1898 aged 89. 8 oh— 2, Lydia M., b 1831 m Frederick E. Fuller,
who d Feb 2, 1857 aged 26; 3, Amanda J ., b 1834 m Justin E. Mcln-
tire. She d July 11, 1917. He d Dec 17, 1918; 4, Ira Jr., b Dec 3, 1838
m Melissa J. Merrill b 1840. He was a thrifty farmer and the most
prominent man in his section of the town. For sev yrs he was a
member of the bd of sel. Late in life he moved to Fryeburg and d
there, ch— 1, Lillian, b May 28, 1864 m Clarence H. Pride of East
Waterford; 2, Virgil Howard, b June 29, 1867 m Sophronia B. Kim¬
ball, set’d in Fryeburg; 3, Eva Mabel, b Dec 1, 1870 m Harry L.
Hutchins a merchant at No. Fryeburg.
Hill
Thomas Hill, a weaver lay trade, was an Eng sol in Gen John
Burgoyne’s army and was among the prisoners taken at Saratoga
Oct 19, 1777. That great victory for the Americans was the turning
point and decisive battle of the war. Thomas Hill was in Gen
Frazer’s division. These prisoners were marched to the vicinity of
Boston where they were under guard for many months. Thomas
Hill became acquainted with Keziah Jackson of Newton, fell in love
with her and decided to remain in America, and he m her. He
afterwards stated that when Gen Burgoyne’s army started from
Canada to form a junction with Gen Henry Clinton’s forces from N.
Y. City, no one among them thought that there were men enough m
all the colonies to stop them. He setl’d first in Oxford, but removed
to Norway and d July 8, 1830 aged 84. His wid d Jan 13, 1840 Of
their six ch was Capt Thomas Jr., b 1779 m Catherine Armsby of
Sutton Mass. They setl’d in Paris where he was prominent in town
and military affairs for many yrs. He d Jan 18, 1869 aged 89 ' yrs
6 mos. His son Daniel K. b Sept 25, 1818 m Nancy P.y Hall, ^Lod
June 18 1869 — m 2. Mary (Holmes) Whitney. He d Nov 22, 1896.
5 ch by 1. w— 1, Laurin K., b July 11, 1842 d in infancy; 2, Lauretta
E. b Apr 1, 1844 m John R. Sanborn; 3, Rose J., b Mar 28, 1846 m
Alonzo J. Nevers; 4, A. Kinsman, b Apr 9, 1849 m Hannah E. Gam¬
mon, who d Sept 6, 1909. He d abt 1919. 3 ch-Roscoe C b Oct 2,
1881 m Lillian E. Thurlow; Ida May b May 2, 1884 m Arthur G.
Douglas of Bethel; and Daniel O. b Sept 5, 1888, m and res. at West
Paris; 5, Daniel O., b Feb 21, 1852 d Oct 1880.
Josiah Hill of another family m Sally Wagg. They lived on the
Waterford road leading through “Sodom” on a farm where Wilson
his son lived and where his grandson Albion L. Hill lives. He d Feb
HISTORY OF NORWAY
439
23, 1845 aged 80. 9 ch — 4, James, b Mar 13, 1779 m Hannah Went¬
worth. They lived on the Waterford tract and he gave his name to
the hill in the vicinity of Sand Pond, (Jim Hill). Of their ch was
Sarah Ann b Nov 15, 1824 who m Edward H. Morse; Eliza Harriet, b
Nov 8, 1833 m Thomas Beal. The youngest ch, Wm. F. Hill b July
19, 1842 was a sol in the Norway co of the 1st Me in the Civ War. He
went West and lived many yrs at Peoria, Ill, and d unm a few yrs
ago. 6, Sarah, b May 22, 1805 m Antepas Smith; 7, Wilson, b Mar
6, 1811 m Elvira Cushman. .He d Aug 23, 1891; 8, Albion Lewis, b
Mar 12, 1844 m Deborah Franklin Holden. 11 ch — 1, Osman F., b
May 9, 1867 d in infancy; 2, Herman L., b July 19, 1868; 3, Issie
Elvira, b Jan 27, 1870; 4, Osman Francis, b Sept 16, 1871 m Addie
D. Twitchell. 2 ch — Gerald O. and Minnie F. who m Ralph Kilgore;
5, Izah Viola, b Sept 2, 1893 m Howard B. Allen; 6, Harry Roswell, b
Oct 17, 1875 d in infancy; 7, Harry Wilson, b Mar 13, 1877; 8, Iva
Grace, b Sept 7, 1879 m Elwood S. Harris of Baldwin; 9, Laura Inez,
b Aug 20, 1881 m Horace Murch of Portland; 10, Geo. O., b Apr 24,
1884 m and has a family; 11, Fred Roswell, b Sept. 1, 1886.
Hills
Vivian Warren Hills came to Norway in 1886. Jeweler and
Optometrist. He was b in Union, May 5, 1858 m in Des Moines, la.,
1882 Inez B. dau of Wm. and Mary Ann Turner b Waldoboro June
21, 1862; no ch. He is of the 8th generation from Joseph 1 Hills
the Eng emigrant ancestor and his wife Hannah Smith. The parents
of Joseph were: “George Hills linen draper and Mary Symonds of
Billericay County Essex wid of Wm Symonds late of same, tanner” m
by “general licence of the Bishop of London 13 Oct 1596. Joseph
was b there Mar 1602. He landed at Boston July 17, 1638 in the
“Susan and Ellen” with his first wife Rose and sev ch. She d in 1650
and he m 2. wid Hannah (Smith) Mellows June 24, 1651. Joseph
setl’d first at Charlestown but removed to Malden where he was a
magistrate, rep. to the Gen Court at Boston and elected speaker in
1647. Like Gov Bellingham as a magistrate, he m himself. The Gov
While holding court with other magistrates was requested to step
down from the bench and answer to the offence of such conduct, but
refused to do so and the matter was for the time dropped. The
grand jury in Apr 1656 presented him for “marrying of himself con¬
trary to the law of this colony.” He freely acknowledged his offence
therein and his misunderstanding of his right to perform the cere¬
mony and was admonished by the court. Here the matter ended.
Samuel 2 one of the ch by this 2. w b July 1652 m 1679, Abigail
Wheeler b Newbury Feb 2, 1655. He d Aug 18, 1732. She d Apr
13, 1742 — bur in Rock Bridge Cem W. Newbury. He was a Sergt
in King Philip’s Indian war of 1675-6 and was in sev engagements
with the savages. They had 14 ch — Benjamin 3 the 4 ch b Newbury
Oct 2, 1684 m 1709 Rebecca dau of Hannaniah Ordway b Dec 22,
1690. He d at Chester, N. H. Nov 3, 1762. She d Sept 4, 1769. He
was a rep. in the Colonial Assembly of N. H. in 1744. 10 ch—
Samuel 4 the oldest b Newbury Aug 10, 1710 m 1735 Rebecca Thurs¬
ton of N. who d May 21, 1743 m 2. 1743 Elizabeth Swain of N. who
440
HISTORY OF NORWAY
d July 31, 1793. He d Feb 2, 1762. 13 ch— 3 by I. and 10 by 2. w.
Reuben 5 the 8th by 2. b Aug 14, 1752 m 1779 Sarah dau of Gideon
Currier b Dec 10, 1759. They removed to Warren, Me. abt 1784. He
d at Union Sept 28, 1828. She d Nov 1, 1835. He was a Rev Sol and
was at the battle of Bunker Hill, in Col. Reed’s N. H. Reg’t. His
half bro John was a Sergt in his Co. John’s youngest son, Parker
was a member of the same co. and was killed in -the engagement. 12
ch — Josiah 6 the 5th, b Union Apr 2, 1788 m 1815 Mehitable Peabody
b Aug 31, 1793, d Nov 2, 1868. He d Nov 28, 1875. 11 ch — Warren
the 7th b Dec 23, 1831 m Sarah R. Jameson a rel. of Gen Chas. D.
Jameson, a prominent Union officer in the Civ. War and candidate for
Gov of Me b Waldo-boro May 14, 1835 d June 15, 1864. He m 2.
Calista E. (Simmons) Cummings. He d Sept 5, 1918. Prominent
in town affairs, town clerk, selectman, rep. to the leg etc. 1 ch by 1.
w. Vivian Warren.
Hobbs
Two brothers by the name of Hobbs were among the very first
settlers in Norway. They were b in Hopkinton, Mass, came to Gray
where they lived sev yrs, and afterwards setl’d here.
Jeremiah was the older having been b June 14, 1747. He might
have served in the Rev., but we have seen no mention of it. He was
certainly old enough and as a rule all such served in some capacity in
that contest unless there was some physical disability or other reason.
Jeremiah Hobbs m Anna Fowler b Kittery Oct 20, 1746. IJe ^ June
14, 1814. She d June 18, 1824. 9 ch — 1, Olive, b May 30, 1771 m
Joel -Stevens; 2, Miriam. , b Juy 17, 1772 m Nathan Foster; 3, Wealthy,
b Feb 10, 1774 m John Daniels Jr.; 4, Anna, b Mar 15, 1776 m Dea
J-ohn Horr; 5, Daniel, b Sept 17, 1778 m Sarah Noyes; 6, Wm., b Apr
2, 1780 m Catherine Wetherbee; 7, Sarah, b Jan 8, 1782 m Nathan
Foster; 8, Jere Jr., b Jan 17, 1785 m Anna Frost; 9, Lydia, b N. Aug
20, 1789 d Apr 25, 1813.
William Hobbs son of Jeremiah b 1780 m Catherine Wetherbee.
He was a constable and deputy sheriff, first trader at N. Ctr. and
prominent in town affairs. He d Feb 19, 1843. His w d Mar 5,
1865. 7 ch— 1, Charlotte S., b Oct 29, 1808 m Dr. Nath’l Grant setl’d
in N. H; 2, Wm. Whitman b May 28, 1810 m Sarah F. Merrill; 3,
Jere. W., b June 8, 1814 m Fanny O. Greenleaf; 4, Charles Lessley, b
June 10, 1816 d May 16, 1834; 5, Henry Hill, b Mar 18, 1821 m
Sarah P. Moulton; 6, Milton Wilkins, b Apr 30, 1823 m Louisa Mud-
gett set’d in Boston; 7, Cornelius W., fo June 5, 1826 m Lucy J. Hobbs.
William Whitman Hobbs son of William b 1810 m Sarah F.
Merrill of Andover, a noted teacher. He was a leading citizen of the
town in his day, a deputy sheriff and a member of the legislature.
He led a company overland to Calif, during the gold excitement
1849-51. Finally setl’d in Minn, and d there in 1876. 4 ch — 1,
Adelia S., b July 12, 1842 m John M. Adams, Ed. Eastern Argus for
many yrs.; 2, Martha E., b July 4, 1844 m Alvin S. Wilcox set d in
Dakota; 3, Sarah F., b June 11, 1847 d Sept 18, 1851; 4, Clarence
Whitman, b June 17, 1862 m Mary B. Twitchell of Bethel.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
441
Jeremiah Wellington Hobbs son of William b 1814 m Fanny O.
Greenleaf b Aug 2, 1804. He d Feb 16, 1871. She d Dec 14, 1888^
^ ^ Capt. II ellington, b Dec 25, 1844 k in front of the rebel in-
trenchments at Petersburg, Va. in the War of the Rebellion Oct 24,
1864. He had risen from the ranks by merit alone to a captaincy.
He was a real patriot and hero; 2, Geo. Washington, b Nov 30, 1845
m Emma E. Wardwell. He was in trade in the vill. for many yrs. A
man of integrity and a good citizen. He d May 18, 1917. His w d
Apr 14, 1917, age 66, 3 ch — Fanny Greenleaf, m 1906 Albert C. Clark.
He is a druggist in the vill. 1 ch (son) b Dec 28, 1910; Mary E., b
Sept 10, 1879 d Sept 6, 1880; Oscar W., b Apr 27, 1890 d July 16,
1899; 3, Catherine S., b May 25, 1847 d Nov 20, 1863; 4, Oscar, d
Mar 11, 1880 “aged 15 yrs 6 mos 16 days.”
Henry Hill Hobbs, son of William, b Mar 13, 1821 m Dec 1847
Sarah P. Moulton. He was also as noted a teacher as his bro Wm. W.
He lived near Noble’s Corner. He d July 27, 1890. Wid d May 7,
1899 was b July 22, 1827. 7 ch — 1, Charles Henry, b Sept 15, 1848
m and set’d in Slatersville, R. I.; 2, Lizzie Ann, b Aug 21, 1850 m
Addison W. Patten— d Jan 19, 1875; 3, Frank M., b Feb 7, 1854 m
and set’d in Montana; 4, Fred S., b Dec 20, 1855 m and set’d in
Montana; 5, Charlotte Sophronia, b Jan 20, 1859 m 1883 J. Frank
Gibson of Visalia, Cal; 6, Albert M., b Jan 25, 1861 went West — d Feb
16, 1888; 7, Catherine Wetherbee, b June 26, 1866 m Robtt. N. Millett.
Jeremiah Hobbs Jr. b 1785 m Anna Frost of Tewksbury, Mass b
Aug 31, 1788 — a sister of Joel and Jacob Frost the Rev Soil. He d
Feb 15, 1850. His w d Apr 25, 1847. 12 ch — four of whom d young.
I, Caroline A., b Aug 22, 1809 m Edward Whittle of Greenwood. 2,
Julia Ann, b Dec 8, 1810 m Ansel Towne, d Nov 30, 1883; 3, Hannah
Foster, b Mar 1812 m Simeon Frost, d Dec 18. 1868; 5, Lydia Frost,
b June 27, 1814 m Capt Amos F. Noyes; 6, Lorenzo Dow, b Feb
20, 1816 m Sarah S. Russell. He was a Sol in the Civ. War.
1 ch Lizzie J. b Apr 1, 1854 m John W. Parsons. She d Apr 10, 1894.
Her father d Jan 11, 1895. Her mother d June 24, 1898; 8, Lyman
D., b Sept 21, 1820 m Caroline Bartlett set’d in Boston; 9, Jacob
Frost, b Aug 11, 1822 m Harriet E. Frost set’d in Arlington, Mass;
II, Wealthy Daniels, b Feb 11, 1826 m Ward Noyes Jr — d. in Port¬
land June 6, 1855.
Amos Hobbs the pioneer b 1761 m Lucy Robinson. He lived and
died on the farm he had wrought out of the wilderness. He ser. a
period in the War of the Rev. He d June 3, 1839 aged 77. His wid
d Sept 7, 1848, aged 89. 7 ch — 1, Jere, b Dec 29, 1784 m Sarah Goss
of Rumford b Jan 9, 1790; 2, Mary, b 1785 m Jonas Stevens set’d in
Greenwood; 3, Robinson, b Feb 27, 1787 m Lavinia Hall; 4, Eben, b
Aug 24, 1789 m Jane March; 6, John, b Mar 1794 d Apr 8, 1883 unm;
5, William, b 1793 went to Vt; was there during the war of 1812-15
and never returned to Norway; 7, Amos Jr., b Aug 11, 1797 m Louisa
McGilvery; 8, Lucy, b Dec 20, 1803 m Dresser Stevens; 9, Hannah, b
abt 1805 m Amos Powers of Bethel.
Jeremiah Hobbs (“Little Jere”) son of Amos b 1784 m Sarah
Goss. He lived on the hill near Norway Center. He d Oct 31, 1869.
His wid d Nov 15, 1879. 8 ch — Martha, Eben W., and Nancy E. d
442
HISTORY OF NORWAY
young, Lewis Howe set’d in Ills, Minerva Ann, Mary Robinson and
M. Maria m and set’d in Mass.; 6, William Crosby, b July 4, 1829 m
Amanda T., dau of Edmund Frost b Aug 16, 1831. They lived on the
old homestead till late in life when after his w d Oct 26, 1908 he went
to Mass to live with his ch and d there Dec 31, 1916. 8 ch. 1,
Issinella A., b Dec 15, 1853 m Edwin A. Cox; 2, Walter Crosby, b
June 21, 1857 set’d in Boston; 3, Annie Maria, b May 11, 1859 m and
set’d in Hudson, Mass.; 4, Fred Jere, b Nov 13, 1863 set d in Island
Pond, Vt; 5, Herbert William, b Sept 4, 1865 went to Miami, Fla; 6,
Adna Merry, b Jan 18, 1869; 7, Clara Minerva, b July 18, 1873 m
Everett Gilman; 8, Sadie Alice, b Nov 14, 1878 m Chas. W. Cummings
of Hebron.
Robinson Hobbs son of Amos the pioneer b Feb 27, 1787 m
Loviwa Hall b Feb 20, 1796. They set’d on the place now owned by
their gr ch Edgar J. Hobbs and his sister near the Hobbs pond. The
date of his birth settles beyond controversy the year the Hobbses and
Stevenses brought their families into the new settlement. What his
gravestone states should be carefully noted. Robinson Hobbs died
July 15, 1858 aged 71 yrs 4 mos 17 days.” His wid d Mar 6, 1860
“aged 64 yrs 15 ds,” 11 ch. John Bisbee the 9th b Nov 28, 1835 m
Olive L. Merriam dau of Silas Jr. b July 24, 1837. They lived and
died on the old homestead. He d Dec 24, 1893. She d Dec 11, 1898.
2 ch— Edgar J. b July 1, 1865 unm and H. May b Nov 28, 1866 unm.
Capt. I. Frank Hobbs the youngest child of Robinson b Aug 24,
1841, was a brave and gallant Sol in the War of the Reb and rose
from a private of Co. G to Capt 14th Me by faithful service. He
participated in the battle of Baton Rouge, La., a Union victory, in the
engagements during the Siege of Port Hudson on the Miss, and at
Winchester in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., under Gen. Sheridan, in
which he was wounded. He had enlisted at 19 in the first co. that
went to the war from Norway. After the war he went West, set d
near Lake City, la., and m in 1868 Emma J. Plummer. They had
four ch, Geo. A., Wm. C., Mary L., who d young and Laura N. He
dropped dead from heart trouble at his home June 8, 1899. A local
paper in an (account of his life and death said; “His influence was
widely felt, because of his honest, upright character.” He was one
of Norway’s honor soldiers.
ALBERT L. HOBBS
HISTORY OF NORWAY
443
Cyprian Hobbs, son of Daniel and gr son of Jeremiah sen b abt
1804 m and set’d in No. Aroostook Co. Late in life he returned to
Norway and d here Nov 8, 1887 “aged 83.” He had sev ch among
whom are George W. m and living in Norway and Albert L. who is
m and Las a family of ch in San Francisco, Calif.
Orin Hobbs, youngest son of Daniel b abt 1810 m Sarah (Towne)
Favor b May 16, 1812. He was a famous stage driver in his day
and took part in the great race for the railroad elsewhere related,
and drove his team over his part of the route making the best time
of all the drivers. After the railroad was built he became a conductor
on the passenger trains, and made his home away from Norway.
No ch.
Holden
John Holden b Stoneham, Mass Dec 28, 1761 m Sybil T. Moore
of Groton. They came to Otisfield abt 1800. He was a Sol in the
Rev War in Capt Samuel Sprague’s Co. of Col Sam’l Gerrish’s Regt
in the old Continental Army. Of tiheir ch was Henry b Groton Jan
21, 1787 m Abigail M. dau of Dr. David Ray, b Otisfield Nov 10, 1790.
David Ray Holden their 2d son b O. Oct 22, 1809 m Louisa, dau of
Frye Lovejoy of Norway. He set’d in Norway abt 1834. He and
his older bro Columbus a millwright by trade who had m Lavinia
Lovejoy, a sister of David Ray’s w, built mills on the Crooked river.
The little hamlet that was built up in the vicinity of the mills, should
bear the name of Holden’s Mills. David Ray was a millman for many
yrs and afterwards a trader. He was a lame man, result of an
injury, but a very bright and intelligent citizen. He d Sept 25, 1888—
w d many yrs before. 13 ch — 1, Harrison Blake, b Apr 21, 1839
was a Sol in Co. G. 14th Me, in the Civ. War and d at New Orleans,
La. Sept 2, 1862; 2, Esther Maria, b June 20, 1841 m Ansel H. Cush¬
man; 3, David Lewis, b Apr 23, 1843 m Josephine Jackson set in
Otisfield. He too was a Sod in the same co with his bro.; 4, Levi
Edgar, b Jan 25, 1845 m Sarah E., dau of Sam’1 P. Frost; 5, Deborah
Franklin, b Apr 7, 1847 m Albion L. Hill; 6, Osgood Danforth, b Jan
31, 1849 d in infancy; 7, Abby Ann, b Apr 16, 1856 m Augustus A.
Everett; 8, Henry Osgood, b Mar 5, 1852 m Ella F. Lord; 9, Laura
Ellen, b Dec 23, 1853 m Charles H. Merrill d 1882; 10, Fannie E., b
Nov 5, 1855 m Arthur W. Frost; 11, Fred Clinton b Oct 27, 1857 d
young; 12, George, b Oct 29, 1859 set’d in Mass; 13, Hattie Belle, b
Apr 22, 1862 m and lives in Otisfield.
Levi E. Holden, son of David Ray b 1845 m Sarah E. Frost. He
was a Pt in Capt Sylvanus Cobb Jr.’s Co in 1864. He lives in the
vicinity of Holden’s Mills, ch — Nellie E., Harry B., a stable keeper
m and resides at So. Paris; Edna A., Edgar E., m Goldie D. Frost;
Bertha M. m Willis L. Learned of Waterford and Lewis L.
Henry O. Holden, son of David Ray m 1852 m 1. Ella F. Lord.
She d and he m 2. Josie M. Hoyt, ch — Chester Osgood, b Feb 15,
1881 m Eva Bouchard; Harry L. b July 16, 1882; Elsie L. b Oct 21,
1884 and Paul R.
444
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Holmes
John 1 Holmes the Eng emigrant ancestor of that family race
in Oxford, Paris and Norway, was in Plymouth, Mass in 1632. The
line of descent to Capt James who with his w Jerusha Rawson of Sut¬
ton set’d in Oxford is probably as follows: Nathaniel (2), 1648,
Eleazer (3), 1686; Job (4), 1728; Capt James (5), 1757. He d Apr
13, 1827 “aged abt 70.” Prob he was a Rev Sol. 9 ch — 1, James S.,
b Nov 13, 1792 m Jane S. Patten. He was a lawyer and set’d in
Foxcroft, was the first one to write the story of Capt Jona. Snow’s
being killed by the Indians at the falls in Paris, which bears the
Capt’s name. At that time he was a law student in the office of
Enoch Lincoln, afterwards Gov of the State; 4, Job, b Oct 17, 1797
m Vesta Hamlin set’d in Calais, Lawyer and Judge of Pro; 5, Eleazer
GEORGE W. HOLMES
Austin, b Jan 9, 1802 m Sarah E. Benson. She d June 1838 and he m
2. Almena Staples of Oxford. She d Oct 15, 1846; m 3. Martha
Hight of Gorham, N. H. He was a leading business man of Norway
_ d Aug 8, 1868. Wid d June 3, 1887 aged 70 yrs 6 mos., 12 ch, 7
by 1. w, 3 by 2. and 2 by 3. 2, James Austin, b Apr 2, 1825 m
Stella F. Holmes — went to California dur the gold excitement of ’49-
53, but returned and set’d in Paris on what is now the Capt Tribou
place at So. Paris and d there June 27, 1884; 5, Sarah J. b 1831 m
Joseph H. Porter of Paris set’d at Oshkosh, Wis.; 11, Fannie Hight,
by 3. w, b Apr 1854 m Herman L. Horne. He d July 9, 1921. She
is a very capable lady, devoted to music and church work; 12, Geo.
W. by 3. w, b Apr 1859 m Franie I. Jones. She d Apr 16, 1920. He
was a carpenter by trade and for half a dozen yrs served on the bd of
sel. He d Nov 1923 result of surgical operation. 2 ch — Helen Hight,
b May 23, 1884, Lib in N. Public Library and Mildred Jones, b Dec
22, 1891 — a trained nurse in Portland hospital; 6, Jerusha, b Jan 22,
1804 m Lyman Rawson a lawyer and Pro Judge.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
445
Horne
The Hornes of Norway are said to be descended from Thomas
Horne who b abt 1680 lived in the vicinity of Dover, N. H. His w
was Judith, the oldest dau of Geo Ricker and his w Eleanor Evans,
Eng. emigrants in Dover abt 1670. They had 9 oh. George and
Maturin Ricker, a younger bro were killed by the Indians in an attack
on the settlement June 4, 1706. The journal of Rev John Pike in the
Mass Hist. So. under that date had the following: “George Riccar
and Maturin Riccar of Cocheco were slain by the Indians. George
was killed while running up the lane near the garrison house, Mat¬
urin was killed in his field and his little son Noah carried away.
Noah never returned. He became a Catholic priest in Canada. Mary
four yrs younger than Judith was with her father when he was
killed but escaped unhurt by swift running. When Judith was fif¬
teen in an attack of the savages one Sunday when returning from
meeting, in which two women and one man were killed and several
wounded, she was taken captive and carried to the Penobscot.” She
not long after got back home for on the 14th of Apr 1699, she was m
by Rev Mr. Pike to Thomas Horne. They had four oh, Sarah,
Ichabod, Thomas and William, and Judith Ricker Horne “was an¬
cestress of various Horne families still flourishing.” The Rickers
of Poland Spring are descended from the emigrant George Ricker.
John L. Horne was b Milton, N. H. Nov 8, 1824. His parents
were Daniel J. and Jane (Lennon) Horne. His father d at 85 and
his grandfather Daniel at 80. At 17 he was apprenticed to Oliver
Hill, tanner of Berwick and thoroughly learned the tanning business.
In 1852 he came to N. and bought the tannery of Mark P. Smith
GEORGE W. HORNE
whioh he greatly enlarged. For nearly half a century he was one
of the leading business men and citizens of the town and vill. was 3
times m. 1. to Hannah H. Wallace who d Sept 9, 1868 “aged 40”;
2. to Anna M. Wrisley — d Apr 19, 1875 “aged 37”; 3. to Mrs. Abbie
L. Ham — d Feb 22, 1906. He d Apr 21, 1900. 6 ch by 1. w and one
by 2d. 1, Chester Woodbury, b Rochester, N. H. Sept 16, 1849 m
446
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Julia A. Richardson. He d. June 4, 1915. ch — Dr. Lester W., m
Alice May Smith; Willie in the U. S. Gov’t service, Panama Zone;
Harry, a teacher, and Alice M. d Nov 4, 1899 aged 17 ; 2, Herman L.,
b Feb 6, 1852 m Fannie H. Holmes, coll grad, prominent dn business,
church and music circles; d July 9, 1920 — no ch; 3, Rosalie Maria, b
Jan 28, 1854 m Dr. Wm. A. Drake; 4, John F., b May 26, 1857 m
Wealthy H. Noyes — res. Portland, 4 ch, Howard, Clarence d in in¬
fancy, Irving Noyes b Sept 24, 1887 and Florence Pearl b June 15,
1891; 5, George W., m Nellie dau of John F. Fitz a Civ. War Sol —
res Lewiston. Singer and teacher of music in public sch. 2 ch. —
Bessie, b N. Jan 8, 1883 d May 22, 1904 lamented by all who knew her
for her sweet disposition and lovable qualities, and Rosalie L. b Jan
1, 1885, res unm with her parents; 6, Dr. Charles — brought up by
maternal grandparents m Lottie Walker, Rochester, N. H. dec.; 7,
Myra W ., by 2. w b Aug 17, 1873 d Feb 22, 1879.
Horr
John Horr dea Cong. Church at Norway Center, b in Waterford,
was the son of Philip and Hannah (Harrington) Horr of Norton,
Mass. — later of Waterford. He m 1. an Atherton, 2. Anna, dau of
Jeremiah Hobbs, b Mar 15, 1776 — 9 ch. Nathan the 2 ch m Amelia
Wood of Waterford. 3 ch. On Norway records, 3. George Edwin
b Dec 6, 1840 m Dora M. Stevens— no ch.
Hosmer
Herbert H. Hosmer, guide, trapper, snow-shoe maker, etc., m
1880 Clara E., dau of Benj. Jr. and Betsy Jane (Chandler) Bacon,
b Feb 17, 1862. He is the son of Henry H. Hosmer who d in Norway
Sept 11, 1888 “aged 56 years, 4 mos.” Mrs. Harriet M. Hosmer d
Sept 25, 1914 “aged 79.” Clara E. Hosmer d Dec 9, 1914. He has
not remarried. 4 ch: Harold H.; Henry N. m 1917 Mrs. Hazel M.
Gibbons, 1 ch, Martha L., b July 7, 1921; Ben F. m Erna D. Hewley
1920, and Bruce C.
Fred D. Hosmer of another family m Gertrude M. Jordan. For
many years he was a clerk in a grocery store; res Paris St. — 1 ch:
Paul F., b Oct 30, 1898 m 1921 Mildred E. Noyes. He has a position
in the post office. 1 ch: Pauline Elizabeth, b Jan. 19, 1923.
Howe
The English emigrant ancestor of the Howes of Norway, Paris
and Sumner, was Abraham who was admitted to the privileges of a
citizen at Roxbury, Mass., in May 1638. He was m and three of his
seven children were born before coming to New England. He and
his wife were members of the church in Roxbury. He d in the
autumn of 1676. Abraham 2, the oldest ch b England settled at Rox¬
bury — name of wife as of mother unknown. He d Nov 15, 1683.
Isaac 3, b Mar 30, 1656 m 1685 Deborah Howe of Ipswich. He d in
Stoneham, Mass, abt May 1719. Wid was living in 1734. Jacob 4, b
Oct 24, 1689 m 1721 1. Eleanor Sherwin, 2. Sarah Holgate. He d
Aug 11, 1757. Jacob Jr. 5 by 1. w b Feb 9, 1724 m 1752 Lydia Davis.
They had 13 ch (twins twice and once triplets). He d Aug 9, 1809.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
447
She d Feb 2. 1808. Jacob 6, b Rowley, Mass. June 19, 1760 m 1783,
Betty Foster, b Aug 10, 1763. He was a. Rev Sol and 1st “Post
Rider” in this section. Began his duties in 1799. Route extended,
as post offices were established — from Norway and Paris in 1801, to
Portland. He d in Paris Jan 30, 1830. His w d 1853, buried in
Pine Grove — 11 ch.
Capt. Jesse, the 2 ch b Feb 16, 1786 m 1809 Lydia Dunham b Aug
16, 1784 d Dec 20, 1841, m 2. Betsey Shurtleff d Mar 2, 1870. 9 ch
all by 1. w: Henry, b Jan 11, 1810 m 1. Lucinda Prentiss, d Dec 30,
1845, m 2. Lucy C. Newbert, d Oct 24, 1884, at 70; he d Apr 6, 1877.
ch 1, Clinton b May 25, 1830 m 1. Eliza J. Heald, 2. Sarah Barrows —
res Sumner. John Prentiss 4 ch b S., Feb 22, 1867 m Lizzie C. Ryer-
son of N. — ch: Helen, Ora and Chas. R. Paul Hart, 5 ch b S. Aug
7, 1870 m Jennie A. Merrill — res Waterford — 3 ch: Alton Lewis,
Harold Hartley, and Julia. 2, Julia P., dau of Henry b July 27,
1844 m Amasa Heald, res Iowa. 3, Sami H., by 2. w b Mar 19, 1849
m Emily Trefethen, d at Peaks Island, Nov 1904.
Jacob Foster, son of Capt. Jesse, b Nov 30, 1811 m 1833 Polly
Howe, dau of Capt. Jeremiah — his cousin, b Jan 15, 1818, res Sum¬
ner. He d May 31, 1865. His w survived him many years — 3 ch:
1, Freeland, b S. Dec 5, 1833 m Mary L. Field. Ins Agt in Norway
over 50 years — d Mar 9, 1912. She d July 28, 1913 — 3 ch: 1, Fanny,
b S. Nov 15, 1858 m Arthur E. Morrison, res Rumford Falls — 2 ch,
Robley Howe, b N. Jan 10, 1886 and Freeland John, b So. Berwick,
June 4, 1888. 2, George Robley, b Aug 4, 1860 m 1888 Emma J.
Boardman of Hartford, Conn. 1 ch, Marjorie M., b May 1893; m 2.
Lena E. (Stillings) Furber. She d Aug 1, 1920. 3, Freeland Jr.,
b May 30, 1870 m Sarah L. Brown of Bangor — both are grad of Colby.
2, Lester M., son of Jacob Foster Howe, b Apr 20, 1845 d Apr 8,
1846. 3, Frank W., b Jan 29, 1849 m Estelle Cole — res Rumford
Falls — 3 ch: Mary Esther, b Nov 18, 1875 m Dr. J. Abbott Nile.
Jeremiah, son of Capt. Jesse, b April 18, 1814 m Mary Tucker of
N. He was a trader in N. and Portland, d Dec 19, 1894 — 2 ch: Lydia
J., b Dec 13, 1840 m Rev J. C. Snow; 2 ch, Fred and Charles; and
Emery Alton, b Aug 17, 1847, res Auburn.
DR. JESSE HOWE
REBECCA GIBSON HOWE
448
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Dr. Jesse Jr., b April 11, 1816 m 1843 Rebecca Gibson. He was
a skillful physician and a good man. He practiced his profession in
N. for about 25 years. His wife was an estimable lady. He d Feb
25, 1873. She d Oct 26, 1884 — 3 ch: 1, Ellen Frances, b Dec 23, 1844
d April 11, 1852. 2, Izah Tenney, b Mar 26, 1848 m John R. Sanborn.
3, Rebecca Gibson, b June 13, 1850 d Apr 22, 1852.
Eli, son of Capt. Jesse, b April 8, 1818, m Pauline (Baker) Howe,
res. Canada. Cyrus Hamlin, b Sept 24, 1820 m 1843 Ardelia P.
Coburn of Sumner. He d Mar 19, 1896. She d Mar 21, 1896.
Benj. Franklin, b Sept 25, 1822 m Pauline Baker. He d in Lincoln
June 19, 1851 and. the wid m his brother Eli. Edwin Wallace, b S.
Feb 3, 1825 m 1. 1851 Mary Ann, dau of Ezra F. Beal, 2. Abba D.
Hill. He d Feb 10, 1890. Longest in trade in N. at time of his
death. Respected for his integrity and moral worth. 2 ch by 1. w,
Charles W., b July 17, 1852 m Abbie Dodge; merchant and smart
business man, set’d at Rochester, N. H., where he died — no ch; and
Frank Herbert, b Jan 22, 1861 m Annie Armstrong res Allston,
Massw; rep in Leg. 1902-4 — no ch. Wm. Ruthren, b April 15, 1827
m Charlotte E. Hall b June 26, 1832; res Paris. He d July 7, 1895.
Hurd
The first of the name to settle in Maine were John and Frank
Hurd who came to Kittery Point in 1639. They built the first saw
and grist mill there and claimed to be the first millmen in what is
now the State of Maine. “They were also founders and members
of the first Episcopal Church in the State.”
Jethro, great-grandson of John, was b in 1771 in the old block¬
house on Garrison Hill, Rollinsford, N. H. He settled in Sanford
on an hundred acre tract of land. The old house is still standing.
Jethro’s son Daniel lived on the homestead farm and his ison Howard
Frank, was b there June 1, 1843. Daniel removed to Jackson, N. H.
While in Sanford he made “the first spring wagon in York County.”
He and his sons were all mechanics. Howard F. m Sarah Garland —
ch: Frank Howard, William and Herbert. They are all blacksmiths
by trade; Frank Howard at Norway; William at Lovell and Herbert
at Fryeburg. Frank H. Hurd b June 6, 1865 m 1. Grace M. Davis.
She d and he m 2. Annie (Thomas) Crockett, wid of Henry J.
Crockett b Aug 12, 1861 — no ch.
Hutchins
John F. Hutchins, a painter, came to Norway from Oxford.
He m Sabra E. Witham — ch: Alma S.; Arthur, d May 18, 1907 “aged
26;” Walter L., a tailor, m 1921, Carrie A. Taylor of Littleton, N. H.;
Bertha, m 1900, Walter H. Stevens, and has several ch; Bert L., a
jeweler m in 1913, Lillian May Emerson and has three ch; and Lida
Blanche, m 1912, Richard P. Lassette.
Ernest W. Hutchins of another family m 1902 E. June, dau of
Wm. C. and Fannie (Clark) Leavitt and has two sons and two
daughters. For several years he has had charge of the Don C. Seitz
farm on the east side of the lake.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
449
Jones
Next to the Smiths the Joneses are the most numerous of any
family race. J
Capt. Cadwallader F. Jones, b Feb 7, 1774 m Joanna Eaton of
Reading Mass., b Mar 14, 1776. They settled in the extreme western
part of Norway in 1797. He was the leading man in his section of
the town, prominent, in the militia and town affairs and served six
years on the board of selectmen. His neighborhood for many years
was called the Jones district. He d June 14, 1863. His wid d Oct 3
1862, aged 84 yrs 6 mos. Their only child Anna, b Apr 1798 m Beni.’
French Jr., and d July 31, 1836; all are buried on Merrill Hill.
Dr. George P. Jones, dentist, b Westford, Mass., Jan 7, 1830, m
1854, Olivia Stearns of Lovell, b Dec 4, 1829. He came to Norway
abt 1866 and practiced dentistry here till his death Jan 16, 1897. Wid
d June 2, 1901. He was very popular with the younger classes and
served two terms in the state legislature— 5 ch: 1, Willie, b June 13,
1857, d young; 2, Franie Isabel, b May 9, 1859 m Geo. W. Holmes;’
3, Mabel F ., b May 9, 1859 m Dr. B. Frank Bradbury — d Feb 5, 1897;
4, Mary Eliza, b Dec 7, 1864 m 1. Geo. E. Lasselle, 2. Frank Briggs'
5, Dr. Harry P., b July 15, 1871 m Emma C. Stevens— d 1920. Den¬
tist in Norway since boyhood.
Eliphalet Jones b Boston, 1757 m Prudence Hall. He d in 1811.
Eliphalet Jr., b Aug 31, 1797 m 1824 Sarah Adams Rust. He d
Mar 17, 1873. He had been a prominent and successful business man
of that city of long standing. His son, Otis Norcross, b Mar 6, 1828
KATE H. JONES OTIS N. JONES
m 1869 Rate H. Frost of Norway, a school teacher and a very intelli¬
gent and estimable lady. He d May 20, 1892. She d Apr 27, 1913—
ch: I, Judge Wm. Frost, b Boston, Apr 5, 1871 m at Bath, June 22,
1897, Elinor F., dau of Geo. W. Hunt, b Dec 21, 1871. He graduated
at Harvard and his wife at Colby. He is prominently identified with
the business interests of Norway — a practicing attorney, Judge of
the Municipal Court, etc. 4 ch: 1, Katherine H., b July 30, 1898; 2,
Otis Norcross, b Dec 20, 1899; 3, Frances Fairbanks, b Dec 7, 1901,’
450
HISTORY OF NORWAY
and 4, Mary Elinor, b Jan 17, 1903. II Mary Ellen, b Boston Aug
3, 1874 m Henry C. Metcalf — ch, 1, Henry Clayton, b May 1, 1908;
2, Mary Ellen, b July 29, 1909; 3, Catherine b abt 1911 d in infancy.
Jordan
Robert Jordan, b England abt 1611 was educated at Oxford as a
preacher of the established church, and came to Pejepscot Falls, now
Brunswick in 1638, where his relative, Thomas Purchas had estab¬
lished an Indian trading post some ten yrs before and had become a
great landed proprietor. He appears to have laved there two years,
when Richard Gibson, an itinerant preacher having been dismissed
from his charge at Richmond Island for marrying a dau of Thomas
Lewis of Saco, when John Winter the agt of the landed proprietors
there, had a marriageable dau, Sarah, whom he apparently expected
to ibe favored. Jordan went to Richmond’s Island, where he was re¬
ceived with great favor. He was a man after Winters own heart;
with many like characteristics, chief of which was a determined pur¬
pose to acquire great possessions and not over scrupulous in obtain¬
ing what he sought. Jordan married Sarah Winter, as might have
been expected under the circumstances and the father-in-law dying
soon after, Jordan succeeded him as agent of the proprietors by
which he acquired great possessions on Cape Elizabeth, Scarboro
and Spurwink. He d in 1679 at Great Island (Newcastle) N. H.
His w sur him. One account states that he had six sons. Another
mentions three: Dominicus, Jedediah and Samuel.
Joseph Jordan, son of Jeremiah of Cape Elizabeth, b abt 1750
was 5th in descent from Robert the English emigrant ancestor. He
was probably a Rev. Sol. and m 1. Elizabeth Robinson, 2. Mary Steele
of Scarboro. He removed from Cape Elizabeth to Gorham and then
to Otisfield. He had. 7 ch, several of whom during their lives lived
in Norway. Elizabeth m Benj Rowe; Timothy m Esther Mann,
William m Eunice Rich; Benj. m Mehitable Hall; Sally m 1. Wm.
Fiske, 2. Paul Twombly; Samuel m Hannah Pratt, and Hannah
d unm.
Timothy Jordan and wife Esther, had 16 ch: 1, Betsey m Robert
Frost; 2, Mercy m John Pike; 4, Azuba m Samuel Wardwell, 5,
David m’ Mary Greeley; 7, Timothy m Mercy Pike. He volunteered
at 61 in the Civil War. 9, Polly m Nathan Noble, Jr; 11, Noah m
Sarah Stevens; 12, Adaline m Alvah Hobbs; 14, John m Jane Has¬
kell- 15, Diana m Rev. Wm. Payne. Timothy d Mar 20, 1849 aged
82. ’ His w, Esther d July 6, 1847, aged 75-4both bur in O. Gore Cem.
Benjamin Jordan and wife Mehitable had 8 ch: 1, Sarah m Capt.
David Flood; 3, Mary Ann m Joel S. Frost; 4, Isaac H., b 1824, a
Civil War Sol; 5-6, Asa Danforth and Porter G., b Dec 11, 1826,
unm, were Sols in Civil War; 7, Betsey Jane, b Mar 6, 1829 m Lewis
Lovejoy. Benj. Jordan d Jan 7, 1875 aged nearly 96. His w d Aug
2, 1851 at nearly 60 — both bur at Stuart’s Corner, Otisfield.
David A. Jordan, of another family, came to Norway from Albany
in 1884. He was a soldier in the Civil War. His parents were Thos.
Jefferson and Lydia (Proctor) Jordan, and he was grandson of Sergt.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
451
David Jordan of Gray, a Rev Sol, sheriff of Cumberland County, and
an early settler in Albany, where he d abt 90. David A. was b on
the old Jordan homestead in Albany, Aug 28, 1843, and m Louisa B.,
^ai! 0fi Coy?/ K.‘ Kneeland of Albany Basins. She d Mar 10, 1918 _
/ ch: 1-2, Mattie Mabel and Myrtie A., b Nov 22, 1868; 1 m Stephen
?• Fum™ln^’ 2 ™ CaPt- Moses P- Styles; 3, Annie Eliza, b Jan 5,
a ™Fr*nk\ln H°ward Beck, son of Lyman Howard and Augusta
Ann (Dunham) Beck of Woodstock and g s of Wm. and Eliza (Lang-
don) Beck of Portsmouth, N. H., b Woodstock Oct 27, 1865- no ch-
4, Lydia Gertrude, b Nov 18, 1873 m Dr. James G. Littlefield of South
5’ Damd Carlton> b July 17, 1877 m Merline Gammon
rVi^ioiV900’ She m 2’ Eugene F. Hayden; 6, Leon E. b
Sept 16, 1879 d Apr 22, 1888; 7, Roy Faunce, b July 3, 1882.
Josselyn
Sir Thomas Josselyn, knight, was named as Dept. Gov. by Sir
r erdinando Gorges, for his Province of Maine, in 1639, but at that
time was too old to act, has many descendants in New England and
among them is the author of this history. His son Henry, who had
settled at Black Point, now Scarboro, was appointed one of the six
councilors and for many years thereafter was one of the principal
men of the province. His bro John had come over in 1638 bringing
The Ancient Knight,” then 78, on a visit to his son at Black Point
and wrote an interesting account of their voyage and stay in Maine.
T e name has been variously spelled. The encyclopedia and present
day authorities give it as above. Williamson, in his history of Maine
spelled the name “Joscelyn.”
Dennis L. Joslin, clerk in the Blue Store, is a preacher and occa¬
sionally supplies the pulpits of the Methodist and other churches.
His wife was Lizzie S. Holt. They have Thelma, b Aug 25, 1901-
Kent Belmont, b Mar 8, 1904, d in infancy; a dau b May 18 1906*
and a son b Oct 20, 1908.
Judkins
Moses Judkins of Greenwood m Abigail Perry and had Perry D.,
Joseph P ., Moses Jr., Aruna, Olive and Lydia. Perry D. b Sept 20,’
1811 m Fanny P. Towne and setl’d near Fuller’s Corner. He was a
blacksmith. He d Dec 18, 1867. Wid d Feb 8, 1903 at nearly 87—
ch: I Amos C., b 1837 m Mary F. North, set’d in Mass. II Oliver
Wendell Holmes b Aug 7, 1839 m Isanna J. Edwards of Otisfield b
June 7, 1840. He followed the trade of his father and lived on the
old homestead at Fuller’s Corner. He was a sol in the Civil War,
d Nov 15, 1920. His w d July 9, 1912 — 5 ch, 1, Eshburn T ., b Oct 31,
1860 m Alma Johnson of Albany; lives on the old homestead — no ch;
2, Albert W. b Nov 11, 1862 m Bertha Morse, iset’d in Upton _ 4 ch:
Cedric, m Jennie Sanborn, res Upton; Eshburn; Oscar and Perry.
Both of the last two boys were in World War; 3, Perry W .,
b July 3, 1867 m Alice M. Weston, set’d in Cal. — 3 ch: Perry, Weston
and Frank Elliott; 4, Chestina F., b Mar 21, 1869 m Elmer E.
Twitchell of Oxford — 4 ch. Ai, Leon, Melissa and Chestina; 5, Flora
452
HISTORY OF NORWAY
J., b Sept 3, 1871 m Rinaldo L. Cummings of W. Paris — 3 ch: Edna
m James Bell, res Cal., Carroll and Alanson. Ill Harmon S., b
June 1842 m Flora L. Chaplin, set’d in Mass; d Oct 8, 1900. IV
Julius J., b July 1844 d young.
John P. Judkins, son of Nelson has been the mail carrier on route
1 ever since it was established. He m Rosetta R. Twitchell of Paris,
and lives on Paris St. in the village — ch: John Howard, b Mar. 8,
1901; Herman L., b Aug 3, 1907; Marjorie Adeline, b Aug 25, 1914;
Marian Louise, b Feb 27, 1917, and Etta Mae, b Aug 22, 1920.
Kilgore
Converse Kilgore m Hannah Kilgore. He d in Waterford at 85.
Gabriel, his son b at Mud City m Susan Hamlin, cousin of Hannibal.
They settled in Waterford on a farm in the John Baker neighbor¬
hood. He d abt 1865 at the age of 83. His wife d abt 1848 aged 60.
They had 11 ch, several of whom lived to be very aged. 6, Emerson, b
May 10, 1829 and 7, Henry, b Nov 1830 set’d in Norway— the former
EMERSON KILGORE
on a farm near Norway Lake village on the old county road and the
latter in the village. Emerson m Helen Hale of Waterford. She
was b Sept 22, 1833 and d Feb 5, 1894. He celebrated his 94th birth¬
day May 10, 1923. d Jan 1924. He held the Boston Post cane for
being the oldest man in Norway — 4 ch: 1, Henry Carpenter, b Jan 6,
1857 m Carrie - set’d in N. J.; 1 ch, Leon, b May 21, 1895. 2,
Herbert Emerson, b 1859 m and lives in Auburn. 3, Webster Hamlin,
b Aug 1861 m 1, Lillian Burnham, 2. Fanny Swett, 3. 1900 Ada J.
Smith _ 5 ch: 2 by 1. w and 3 by 3. Iva m Wm. G. Cash of Kittery;
Grace m Wesley Whitman, Ralph m Minnie Hill, Roland and Doris.
4, Samuel Hale, b 1863 lives unm on the old homestead. 7, Henry
Kilgore, b Nov 1830 m Hannah Stuart of Harrison. He d Feb
25, 1919. His wife had died some years before — ch: Lizzie m William
Boynton. They had 2 ch, Fanny dr near Gibson’s Grove and Carl
W., who m Janet C. Stephens and set’d in Portland.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
453
aeed°87PHThpijG°RE °r m LuCy Kimba11- He d about 1877
aged 87 Their son, Joseph Jr., m Susan Clement. He d in Water
Mrn-mrPeC 18?9 at the age of 39—2 ch: !> John B., b Dec 1 1857 m
NeHie Qumt of Brownfield; he d Mar 25, 1919-1 ch, Winolk b Mar
3 i S l r' S!Pt 3’ 1859 m MiIdred Elliott- She d May
ch He hr m 2' ^UCkA' York of Waterford- b July 3, 1858— no
ch He has been a lumberman, millman, selectman, deputy sheriff
and is trustee Ag’l Society, etc; res Norway Y
Kimball
Caleb Kimball, b abt 1680 was in Wells in 1704 when he m
Susanna Cloyes Their son, Richard b 1707 was a storekeeper in
in Wells "in 17^ ^ °f the owners of first vessel built
in Wells in 1755, and built a sioop m i757. He d in 1781. His son
h ™ ’ p VS l744 m in 1768 L^dia Lord- Dominions their son
1m4 m Rachel Roberts of Waterboro. He d July 4, 1862. Horace
their son b Castine, June 25, 1825 m 1854 Flavilla A. Walker— 3 ch
1 Frank, b Kennebunk Oct 16, 1855 m Ida M., dau of James and Mary
A (Keene) Gerry of Poland, b Jan 1, 1856. She was a great lover
iq mu?lc.and sang for many years in church choirs. She d Dec
13, 1919. He is a grad of Bowdoin College, class of 1879 and entered
same year a drug store at Mechanic Falls. Went to Iowa two years
later, but returned to Maine in 1883 and went into the Noyes drue
dru^ist- In 1888 formed a partnership with
Albert H Williamson and bought out the business which they
conducted for about four years, when Kimball sold out and went to
Woodsville, N. H., engaging in the same business, but after four
returned to Norway and formed another partnership with Mr.
Williamson, whose interest he purchased Jan 1, 1903, and for 20 yrs
he conducted the business under the title of the Noyes Drug Store
alone, greatly enlarging it, to Jan 1, 1923, when he sold out to Lester
, . Ashton who had been his faithful clerk for over 18 yrs— 2 ch:
W infield Alfred, high school teacher, b May 15, 1886 m June 1922
Evelyn Perry of New Bedford, Mass., and Roland Gerry, druggist
b Aug 4, 1891 m Sept 1920, Gertrude Roberts of Farmington N. H.-'
res Freeport — ch: Jacqueline I., b July 7, 1921.
Harry W. Kimball, son of Horace C., trader and P. M. for many
yrs at N. Bridgton, now resident of Norway m Lena M. Ripley— ch:
Elsie M., b Apr 16, 1902 and Harold Wilson, b Sept 14, 1905 For
many yrs he was a clerk in the store of Chas. F. Ridlon.
Orin Kimball of another family m Valesta Bennett, res Paris St
ch: Frank P., a barber.
Moses E. Kimball from Albany served in Co. C 23d Me. in the
War of the Rebellion. He m Viola V. Kilgore, res Marston St _ ch-
Evis /., m 1896 Winfield Allen, 2., 1910, Frank J. Cook. She is prom¬
inent in the D. A. R.; 2, Sadie V ., m 1912 Ernest F. Martin of Paris.
Alfred S. Kimball, b Waterford, Dec 20, 1842 was the son of
Sanders and Jamima (Burnell) Kimball. He m Florence A. Hough¬
ton, b Mar 15, 1847. Sanders Kimball was b in Harrison Aug 9, 1809
and d in Waterford Mar 27, 1872. His w was b Apr 23, 1819 and
454
HISTORY OF NORWAY
d in Norway Feb 18, 1893. They had 5 ch: 1, Alfred S., had one ch
Merton L., a lawyer like his father, b Mar 18, 1867 m 1892 Eva M.
Cook of Ellsworth, b Dec 2, 1872. They have one ch, Houghton, b
Feb 11, 1907. 2, Lydia Jane, b June 6, 1845 m Harlan P. Brown. 3,
Lucian H., b July 12, 1848 d July 6, 1864. 4, Alice R., b July 30, 1853
m 1. Clarence S. Woodsum of Harrison. He d Aug 2, 1877 and she
m 2. James Danforth — 1 ch by 1. hus, Walter C. Woodsum, b Jan 24,
1877. He is in U. S. service, Panama Canal Zone. 5, Mabel M., b
Apr 27, 1857 m Homer Groves, set’d in Mass.
Knightly
Thomas D. Knightly born in Ireland came to Norway abt Civil
War time and m Ellen P., dau of David M. Brown. She d in 1881
and he m Georgia (Lord) Doe of Bridgton. He d abt 1900; she abt
1917 — 5 ch: 4 by 1. w and 1 by 2. 1, Lester David, b Aug 31, 1867
m and set’d in Mass. 2, Walter Palmer, b May 1870 m and set’d on
Elm Hill. 3, George, b Apr 20, 1872 m and set’d in Mass. 4, How¬
ard A., b July 8, 1875 m Edith L. Farnham; ch, Warren, Albert,
Norman, Verne, Lewis and Louise twins, and Margaret. 5, Harry,
b abt 1885 m and set’d in Mass.
Klain
Morris Klain, a Jew, came to America from Russia. He m Rosa
Harkin, has a large family of ch and lives below Steep Falls on
the Oxford road — ch: Israel, m and has several ch; Harmon; Zora;
Esther; Dora; Abraham m 1921 Grace A. Pike; Adeline M. ; Samuel,
Jacob ; Peter k in World War May 20, 1917, “aged 19;” David and
Bessie K.
Laferriere
Antoine Laferriere, b in Canada, came to Mechanic Falls when
a young man and entered the employment of John Winslow, tanner.
He m Petronelle Greniere, a Canadian lady. They were Protestants
and attendants of the Congregational Church in Norway. She d
from the effects of a surgical operation at the hospital, June 19, 1904,
aged abt 50. He died a few years ago in Canada on a visit to his
son, aged abt 70. Both are buried here in Rustfield Cem— 2 ch: 1,
Annie B., m 1907 Frank S. Wingate of Hallowell, a prominent mer¬
chant, mayor of city, etc. For many years she was a successful
teacher in our Norway Village schools. They have several ch. 2,
Alfred L. m 1912 Josephine Bowker of Brunswick. He is a Coll grad,
teacher, sol in Spanish War, and lumber business man in Canada.
Lapham
Lapham is derived from lapis, a stone and ham a house a stone
house. The first of the name to come to New England was Thomas
1 who was in Scituate in 1655. He was probably of Kent, England
ahd one of Rev. John Lothrop’s company. (Thorpe — a hamlet or
place.) He m Mar 13, 1637, Mary eldest dau of Elder Nathaniel
Tilden of Rev. John Lothrop’s Church at Scituate. The family name
of “Tylden” is of great antiquity, dating back beyond the time of
HISTORY OF NORWAY
455
Richard the Lion Heart. Sir Richard Tylden accompanied King
Richard to Palestine and was one of his bravest and most valiant
knights.
Thomas Tilden, with wife and ch, came in the Ann or Little
James in 1623 but returned to England, removed elsewhere or d be¬
fore 1627. Joseph Tilden was one of the merchant adventurers who
financed the Pilgrim colony. What relation Joseph and Thomas were
to Nathanael of Scituate does not clearly appear. The author has a
blood interest in Nathaniel and in Thomas Lapham who married his
dau Mary. The Elder d in 1641 and his widow Lydia remarried
Timothy Hatherly, one of the wealthiest men in the colony. Thomas
Lapham d in 1648. His wid probably did not live long after his will
was probated in 1651, as at that time though named as executrix, she
was unable through weakness to come into Court, and Mr. Hatherly
had the will proved and allowed — 6 ch: Rebecca, b 1643 m 1679 John
Washburn, Jr. of Bridgewater, b abt 1646. They had six ch. The
youngest, Rebecca, b abt 1690 m 1719 Capt. David Johnson. Thomas
Jr., b 1645, m 1. Mary - , 2. - . He d in Marshfield in 1720.
3 ch by 1. w: Joseph 3, b 1670 m Abigail - ; Joseph Jr 4 b Apr
26, 1709 m 1729 Abigail Joyce. He d soon after 1752 leaving four
sons and several daus. John 5, the oldest b Marshfield 1731 m 1754
Bathsheba Eames. He and his oldest son John Jr were Rev Sols.
The son d in the service. John Sr set’d in Buckfield in 1793 in the
Leonard neighborhood where he d Aug 18, 1801. Wid d Aug 17, 1806
aged 75 — 9 ch: Abijah 6, b Scituate Aug 15, 1769 m 1. 1790, Sarah
Hartwell of Pembroke; 2, Abigail Buck of Buckfield, 3. Sarah Maxim
of Psris ; set d in Buckfield with his aged parents but removed abt
1820 to Bethel where he d Mar 1, 1847. He had been a dea of the
Baptist church for many years. John 7, by 2. w b May 6, 1803 m 1.
1824 Lovicy Berry. She d Jan 30, 1868 ; m 2, 1872 Rebecca Phinney
and moved to Weld — 11 ch by 1. w.
Dr. Wm. Berry, the 3d b Greenwood Aug 21, 1828 m Nov 1866
Cynthia A., dau of Joel and Sophronia (Bisbee) Perham b Wood-
stock, June 27, 1839. He was the author of the Centennial History
of Norway and several other town histories. He d at Augusta. Wid
d in Norway at the residence of her dau, Mrs. Mary L. Witt, Oct 9,
1914, aged 75—3 ch: 1, Mary C., b Mar 7, 1868 m Edward E. Witt.’
2, Ben Wm., b Dec 10, 1869 m and has a family. 3, Frances Beulah,
b abt 1875 m Joseph Harwood of Augusta — 4 ch: Joseph Jr., Mar¬
garet B., Frances J., and Jean M.
Latham
William 1 Latham, was in Plymouth 1623, Duxbury 1637, and
Marshfield 1643. Robert 2 constable at Marshfield 1643 m Susanna
dau of John and Mary (Chilton) Winslow. He was admitted to the
privileges of citizenship in 1657 and was one of the proprietors of
Bridgwater. James 3, the oldest child by wife Deliverance had 6 ch.
He d before 1739. Joseph 4 ch, b abt 1697 m Sarah, dau of Nathaniel
Hayward. Was in the Canada Expedition of 1759, when Quebec
was taken by Gen. James Wolfe, and d the next yr. Wid d 1781 aged
85. Thomas 5, bap with other ch in 1732 m 1752 Abigail dau of John
456
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Hamner an immigrant from Halifax. He d of small-pox in 1778,
aged 49. She d 1786 aged 55. 8 ch: 1, Abigail, b 1753 d 1785. 2,
William, b 1756, a Rev Sol, went West. 3, Betty, b 1757 d 1785. 4,
Thomas, b abt 1759, a Rev Sol went West. 5, Benjamin, b abt 1761.
6. Lucinda, b abt 1763 m 1783 Joshua Pool, a Rev Sol and 3d post
rider in Norway. 7, Roland, b abt 1765 set’d in Maine. 8, Stephen,
b Bridgewater, Aug 25, 1768 m Abigail, dau of Amos Whitman of
Turner, b Aug 22, 1779. He was a blacksmith and the first nail
maker in Norway. Set’d first at Fuller’s Corner and afterwards
removed to the village and lived on lot where Clarence M. Smith
(1922) resides. He d Feb 1, 1824. Wid m Josiah Staples of Turner
and d Aug 19, 1857. Of his 10 ch by 1. marriage was Maria, b Mar
27, 1804, who m Evi Needham. They were the parents of Sumner
H.' Needham, killed at Baltimore by a mob in Apr 1861 while the 6th
Mass Regt was marching through the city on its way to Washington.
Addison A. Latham of another branch of the family b St. Johns-
bury, Vt., June 15, 1814, came to Norway when 21 and became a
famous stage driver on the route between Portland and Shelburne,
N. H. Was one of the three drivers who participated in the race for
the railroad and won the New England terminus of the Atlantic & St.
Lawrence R.R. — now the Grand Trunk, for Portland and became a
conductor on the passenger trains. He m 1836 Abigail Bartlett dau
of Daniel Holt and a sister of the wife of Samuel Favor. She d July
10 1852. He d at Yarmouth Jan 12, 1873 — 4 ch: 1, Caroline A., b
N.' Mar 8, 1838 m 1860 Silas H. Wetherbee, a traveling salesman.
They lived on Crescent St., where Mr. Bertrand G. Mclntire now
resides. Both d several years ago.
Lasselle
The family name is derived from Lascelles, a French Brittany
clan. Several immigrants spelling their names Lazzell, were early in
the old Plymouth Colony and Matthew with w Sarah who came to
Norway in 1817 may have been a descendant of one of them. He
must have had a high regard for the free institutions of the U S.,
for he named his first born child for James Monroe who had been
elected President the year before. James M. Lasselle became a noted
teacher in the Cambridge, Mass, schools. He was b near Norway
Center Sept 11, 1817, and began teaching at twenty. Five years
later he went to Cambridge, Mass., where he taught with great suc¬
cess for about twelve years. His death from consumption took place
Dec 13 1854 — ch: Theodore Lyman, b Oct 26, 1826 m 1. Olive S.
Foster.’ She d Mar 24, 1867 in her 37th year and he m 2 Sabrina
Jane (Noble) Greely, b Feb 28, 1841. He d Mar 23 >1880 She sur¬
vived him over 40 years. — 2 ch by 2. w: 1, Elizabeth O., b June 18,
1871 — teacher, unm. 2, John W., b July 30, 1875 m 1895 Lizzie Mae
Cushman b Nov 2, 1874; 1 ch, Gladys Ethelyne, b Mar 18, 1896.
Lewis
William J. Lewis, b St. John, N. B. Sept 18, 1844 m Alice H.
Starbird b Paris, May 11, 1849. He d July 16, 1915—3 ch: 1, Annie
Minnie, b Buckfield, Apr 18, 1868 d July 6, 1879. 2, Nellie Wilson, b
HISTORY OF NORWAY
457
B Aug 21, 1870 m Edward W. Dyer. 3, Wiliam A., b Mechanic Falls
May 18, 1878 m 1901 Mary J. Kenneally, dau of James A. and Han¬
nah E. (Coughlin) Kenneally b May 21, 1873. Her father was b in
Ireland, Feb 1847. Mr. Lewis has been in the mail carrier service in
the village since it was instituted and is a faithful and popular offi¬
cial — 5 ch: 1, Irene 0., b May 11, 1903 d Oct 8, 1917; 2, Wm. Francis,
b July 11, 1904; 3, Alice M., b Sept 6, 1906; 4, Frederick Arthur, b
Oct 6, 1908; 5, Mary Louise, b Jan 7, 1911 d Jan 20, 1911.
Libby
John 1 Libby, an Englishman, came to Richmond’s Island in 1630
and later was in the employment of John Winter, the agent of Robert
Trelawney and Moses Goodyear of Plymouth, who had obtained a
grant of the island and other lands. He was b in 1602 and left a wife
in England who subsequently joined him. He finaly settled in Scar-
boro on what afterwards received the name of Libby river. This was
on the original Thomas Cammock tract, on Black Point. He lost
everything but his farm in King Philip’s Indian War of 1675-6. He d
at the age of 80. His 2. w Mary survived him several yrs. Samuel,
one of the sons by 1. w was killed by the Indians in 1777. Matthew 2,
the first ch by 2. w, b 1663 m Elizabeth Brown of Scarboro. They
set’d in Kittery and had 14 ch. Matthew Jr. 3, b abt 1695 m 1730
Mary Nason. They set’d in Scarboro. Azariah 4 b 1740 m Elizabeth
Paul. They set’d in Limerick. He d May 5, 1820. Wid d Dec 29,
1829 — 8 ch. Joseph 5, b May 13, 1767 m 1795 Sarah Staples. Lived
in Limerick and d in Chesterville, Apr 15, 1852. His w d in L. Jan
1839 — 9 ch. Hall Staples 6, b L Aug 9, 1825 m Almeda Hammond of
Cornish. His w d Mar 4, 1875 and he d the 29th of the following
May — 8 ch. George Spinney 7, b Oct 17, 1826 m 1852, Susan E., dau
of David H. and Ruth (Eastman) Cole of Naples. They removed
late in life to Norway. She d June 15, 1910 aged 81 nearly — 7 ch:
two d young. 2, Frank, b Apr 16, 1856 m 1879 Ada A. Russell; 1 ch
Alice May, b Jan 5, 1881 m Chester Holbrook of Portland; 2 ch —
Donald and Louise. 3, Edward E., b May 10, 1858 m Ida H. Foss.
She d Mar 9, 1909 aged abt 49 — no ch. 4, Eugene C., b Feb 28, 1860
m Maggie Z. Young, 2 ch — 1, Marian S., b May 11, 1893 m Herman
E. Woodworth, 2 ch — Arlene C., b Oct 17, 1919 and Virginia I., b
Dec 19, 1921. 2, Ruth E., b June 11, 1902. 6, Merton, b Feb 16,
1863 m Stella Pottle, no ch. 7, Mary E., b Oct 30, 1865 m Bernard
Reavey. He d Mar 13, 1897 aged 28.
Lombard
Thomas Lombard, 1639, then pronounced Lumbert, was the first
inn-keeper in Barnstable, Mass. He had six sons and two daus. His
5th son, Jedediah m 1668 Hannah Wing. Jedediah Jr. m 1699 Han¬
nah Lewis and set’d in the fish and whaling business in Truro and
became very wealthy. The oldest son, Rev. Solomon, b there Apr 5,
1702 m 1724 Sarah Purington. They set’d in Gorham abt 1751, he
having a call to preach there from the proprietors, in September of
the previous year. A part of the block-house was fitted up for public
worship. He continued his ministerial labors for about ten or a
458
HISTORY OF NORWAY
dozen years. A meeting house was built and a new minister installed.
He d in 1781 aged 71 — 12 oh, all b in Truro. Capt. Jedediah, b 1781
was a seafaring man of 40 years service. Was once (1769) cast
away during a violent storm on Cape Cod but escaped without injury.
He was in the privateer service during the Rev. His vessel was cap¬
tured and he with his crew taken prisoners and confined on the in¬
famous prison ship Jersey, but he made, with three others, his escape
while on a trip to cut wood for fuel. He set’d in Gorham and lived to
be 92. Col. Richard, b Feb 23, 1744 m 1764 Lydia Bangs of Cape
Cod. He d Oct 21, 1825. His w d Sept 18, 1823 “aged 83”— 9 ch:
John, b Aug 11, 1764 m Jan 1, 1785 Elizabeth, dau of Capt. Jonathan
and Martha (Rich) Sawyer. He served in the Penobscot Expedition
of 1779 under name of his father as he was only 15 years old as it
appears. Lived in Otisfield and Norway and d here July 31, 1853
“aged 89” — buried in Otisfield Gore Cem. He had survived his w
many years. (She prob d in Otisfield) — 11 ch. Capt. Richard, b May
31, 1799 m Abigail W., dau of Joseph and Hannah (Atwood) Gallison
b July 1802. They lived in Norway on the Harrison and Millett Hill
roads — (family name perpetuated in Lombard Brook). Removed to
Paris near Fair G’ds. Wife d May 3, 1865 and he m 2. Lucy A.
(Perham) Whitman. He d May 6, 1872. Wid d Dec 18, 1891.
Longley
The Longleys of Waterford and Norway are descended from an
ancient English race. William Longley 1, the first of the name, so
far as we have any record, was in Lynn about 1635, and was ad¬
mitted as a freeman early in 1638 and received a grant of land. He
had married before coming to New England, Joanna Goffe, a sister
of Thomas Goffe afterwards Dept. Gov. of Mass. Colony and perhaps
some of their ch were born before coming here. He lived in Lynn 22
yrs and removed to Groton where he passed the last years of his
life — dying Nov 29, 1680. His wid remarried and d in Charlestown
in 1698. He had served while in Lynn as one of the selectmen and
was “Clerk of the Writs” (Cerk of Courts) in 1655. He had seven
ch — two boys and five girls.
William Jr., m 1673, Lydia - . She d and he m 2. Deliver¬
ance Pease. He was the father of 8 ch, but it is not known by which
wife — ‘probably by both. The Indians attacked Groton July 27, 1694
and massacred many of the inhabitants, and among them were Wm.
Longley Jr. w and five of the ch and prob three, the oldest, were
taken captives. Elizabeth d on the way to Canada. Lydia became a
nun in a French convent and d at the age of 84 in Montreal. John,
a boy pf 12 was finally ransomed after about 4 yrs of captivity and
found his way back to Groton. The site of the family tragedy is
marked by a memorial stone by the wayside. John m 1. Sarah
Prescott, 2. Deborah Houghton. For 6 yrs he was town clerk, a posi¬
tion his father had held, and was three times elected as a rep to the
Gen Court. For 28 yrs he was a dea of the ch so. It is said that
his Catholic sister, Lydia wrote letters to him endeavoring to convert
him to her faith, but without avail. Sarah Prescott’s bro Benj. was
the father of Col Wm Prescott who commanded the colonial forces
HISTORY OF NORWAY
459
at Bunker Hill. By his first wife Sarah Prescott, John Longley had
5 ch and by Deborah Houghton 6 ch. The last Col Robt b Mar 11,
1733 m 1756 Anna Whitcomb. They set’d in Bolton where for many
yrs he was one of its most prominent citizens. Capt Robt Longley
marched one of three companies from Bolton to Cambridge at the
Lexington and Concord alarm of Apr 19, 1775. His Lieut, was Paul
Whitcomb whose dau Mary, afterwards m his son Eli of Waterford.
This Co. of patriots was at B.unker Hill, Col Robert saw further ser
in the War for American Independence and rose to the rank of Col.
He d Aug 10, 1802 aged 70. He had 9 ch — 2, Eli, b Dec 13, 1762 and
Jonathan, b Nov 24, 1774 set’d in Waterford. Jonathan removed to
Ky. with his family. Eli Longley in his 13th yr took part in the
battle of Bunker Hill. He also served sev. enlistments and was
wounded in battle so that it was necessary later in life for him to
walk with a cane. Dur the latter part of the war he ser in a
Harvard Co. of six mos. men. He was then 18 yrs old, 5 ft and 6 in
tall. He received a pension on account of his mil ser.
ELI LONGLEY
1762-1839
MARY WHITCOMB LONGLEY
1767-1854
Eli Longley removed his family to the plantation of Waterford
in 1789. His lot covered the present vill of Waterford Flat. He
built there the first hotel and store and was Waterford’s first P. M.
The meetings were usually held at his house. The old tavern sign
had the following on it:
“Eli Longley’s Inn, 1797”
In 1817 Eli Longley sold his public house and finally removed to
Raymond where he purchased a hotel which he managed for many
yrs. He d Sept 7, 1839 at Saccarappa and was bur at Raymond.
He and his w Mary Whitcomb had 17 ch, 5 of whom d in infancy.
Those sur infancy were: — George W. Longley, the oldest son of Eli
b Mar 6, 1794 m Abigail Spurr of Otisfield. They lived in Waterford.
He d Aug 24, 1874. They had 3 ch — Sophia, b abt 1826; Silas, b 1828
and Luther b 1830. Luther Longley m 1. Sophia Butler of Flagstaff,
2. Mary (Chute) Staples. He d Oct 13, 1906. ch — 1, Leon M., b Oct
460
HISTORY OF NORWAY
27, 1869 m Edna M. Sibley; 2. Sarah A., b Aug 23, 1872 m Fred D.
Sibley; 3, Silas, b Aug 1874 m 1. - ; she d Sept 1874 and he
m 2. Mary Staples; 4, Mary, m Llewellyn Edwards.
Leon M. Longley m 1899 Edna M. Sibley of Wakefield b Oct 12,
1869. He is the prin member of the firm of Longley & Son, plumbers
and hardware dealers of Norway Vill. 5 ch — Doris S., b Oct 9, 1900,
a grad of Bates Ooll. and teacher; 2, Forrest M., b Aug 19, 1902,
is in business with his father; 3, Addie' Belle, b Dec 22, 1904, grad,
of Normal Sch. and a teacher; 4, Catherine Esther, b Apr 29, 1910
and 5, Charlotte Elizabeth, b Dec 18, 1914 are students in the village
schools.
Lord
Samuel Lord b Lebanon June 11, 1786 m Mary Frost b Gorham
Oct 20, 1788. They set’d in Norway on Frost Hill in 1812, and brought
with them Sergt Enoch her father, a Rev Sol. Her mother
Alice (Davis) Frost had died in 1802 aged 45. Her husband sur. her
11 yrs and d the next year after coming to Norway, at the age of 63,
and was bur in the burying ground on Frost Hill. Samuel Lord d
Mar 22, 1861. His w d Sept 16, 1859. 9 ch — 1, Cyrus, b Sept 22,
1809 m Harriet Gammon; 4, Sarah, b Mar 14, 1816 m 1844 Aaron
Merrow; 5, Elsie, b Apr 17, 1818 m 1845 Sam’l D. Merrow; 6,
Abigail, b Feb 28, 1821 m John A. Bolster; 7, Samuel, b Apr 25, 1823
m Sarah Cobb of Danville; 8, Colman Frost, b Mar 17, 1826 m 1.
Elvira Haskell, 2. Lizzie A. Furber.
COLMAN F. LORD
Colman F. Lord named for his uncle Colman Frost m 1851
Elvira Haskell b Westbrook Jan 1829. She d July 12, 1870 and he
m 2. Dec 1870 Lizzie A. Furber b Rochester, N. H., Sept 12, 1834. Mr.
Lord was in his day a prominent citizen of the town and was re¬
spected by all who knew him for his integrity and moral worth. He
had ser as a sel. man and was tax coll, for many yrs — d Apr 17, 1899
— 2. w d Mar 31, 1896. 2 ch by 2. w. Della M., d in infancy and
Vira L., b Aug 31, 1872 m Moses Mason Kilgore. 7 ch — 1, Alma F.,
b May 18, 1894 m Chas E. Lever d Oct 28, 1918. ch Francis A. b Oct
HISTORY OF NORWAY
461
5, 1913, Kate E., b May 5, 1915 and Chas E., b Apr 10, 1917; 2, Leon
Mason, b Dec 7, 1901; 3, Colman Leslie, b July 7, 1903, d in infancy;
4, Dwight Hartley, b May 16, 1908; 5, Ruth Maxine, b May 2, 1910-
6, Frank Raymond, b Sept 25, 1911, and 7, Stanley L., b Apr 30, 1913’.
Locke
Samuel B. Locke Jr. b Bethel Sept 23, 1801 was 6th in descent
from William Locke, one of the early settlers of Woburn, Mass. He
m 1825 Lucetta dau of John Edgerly, b Buxton Aug 10, 1806. His
parents were Sam’l Barron and Hannah (Russell) Locke. Sam’l B.
sen built the first mills at the little vill. in Greenwood known as
Locke s Mills. In the course of time the son became the proprietor of
the mills which he rebuilt and enlarged. In 1856 he removed to W.
Paris and built the first grist mill there. He d Aug 16, 1870. His
wid sur him many yrs. Geo W. Locke, the 5th of 6 ch b Nov 8, 1837
m 1861 Irene G. Plummer of Waterford, b 1841. They came to N.
in the seventies of the last century. He d abt 1910. Wid d Nov 2,
1916. 2 ch — Mary Ellen b Aug 26, 1862 m and set’d in Auburn;
George P., b Aug 2, 1864 m Lilia B. Stearns and has 2 ch, Marjorie,
b Oct 28, 1893 m 1913 Wm D. Stanton of Roxbury, Mass, and Irene,
b June 5, 1897 m Edward A. Luck.
Lovejoy
Asa and Isaac Lovejoy from Andover, Mass were early settlers
here. Asa was a res in 1796 and Isaac came abt ten yrs after. They
were Rev Sols and set’d in the western part of N. Of the family of
Isaac we have no record, nor of the date of his death. Asa had a
family of 13 — the largest in town, when the census of 1800 was
taken. All of them but two appear to have set’d elsewhere when they
grew up and married, prin in Albany, Bethel and Greenwood. Asa d
in Bethel at the home of his dau Hannah Brown in 1835. He was
twice m. His 1. w was Sarah Frye of Andover. The genealogical
record in the Cent. Hist, states that she d in 1817 and that the last
ch Pamelia who m Josiah Judkins, b Jan 5, 1802, was the 2. w’s ch.
If this is so, there is an error in date of her birth. Perhaps it should
be 1822.
Frye Lovejoy, son of Asa the Rev Sol, b Mar 12, 1776 m Lucinda
dau of Joshua Pool the Post-rider, prob b abt 1780. Abt 1825 he
left town and was never heard from. His w afterwards m Moses Jud¬
kins; 11 ch — Lovina, m Columbus Holden; Louisa m David R. Holden
and Harriet m Aruna Judkins. Lewis the youngest ch b July 23, 1824
m Betsey Jane dau of Benj Jordan b Mar 5, 1829 d July 17, 1894. He
was a Sol in the Civ. War and was pensioned. He d Mar 19, 1909.
4 ch — 1, Benj H. b Dec 4, 1851; 2, Harry E. b Dec 30, 1861 m Mary
5. Johnson; 3, Geo W. b Apr 15, 1865 d Dec 23, 1886 and 4, Frank
W. b Oct 11, 1874 m Addie A. Libby.
Luck
Walter S. Luck b at Lee Farms near Arundel, Essex Co., Eng.
Dec 2, 1862 came to N. E. in 1883 set’d in Denmark and m there
Minnie A. Smith, a rel of lawyer Chas E. Holt. He had been in the
462
HISTORY OF NORWAY
employment of Jas. Pledge who was b at Arundel, one of the principal
boroughs of Essex Co, which borders on the Eng. Channel. Pledge
came to this country abt 1879 with his w Adelaide Springer, who d
Mar 3, 1920 without issue. Pledge has conducted a meat market and
butcher business in N. for many yrs with which Mr. Luck has long
been connected. He had followed Pledge to America, as did, later
Sergt Alfred Dyer, his nephew with his London w. They have had
sev ch. Walter S. Luck came to N. in 1906. He is a stirring busi¬
ness man and a good citizen. 5 ch — 3 sons all smart and respected
young men and 2 daus, who d young. 1, Harry W ., b Dec 20, 1889
m Ethel Flood of Oxford; 2, Homer R., b Feb 7, 1891 m 1913 Clara
Louise Hathaway; 3, Myrtle, b Jan 18, 1894 d in her 6th yr; 4,
Dorothy, b Apr 30, 1896 d in her 3d yr; 5, Edward Alton, b Nov 20,
1898 m 1921 Irene Locke.. 1 ch — Edward Alton b May 23, 1922.
Merchant
Zeb L. Merchant is of French descent. He was b in So. Derby,
Vt. Sept 9, 1866. His parents were Zeb and Camille (Faneuf) Mer¬
chant. Mr. Merchant sr. was a volunteer in the War of the Reb. in
Co B 12th Reg’t Vt. Infy. and participated in many battles among
which were Antietam, Gettysburg and Spottsylvania. He was pen¬
sioned and d from disability contracted in the army, Dec 31, 1874.
His wid sur him many yrs and d Apr 27, 1917. The son named for
his father was the 2d of 6 ch. He attained a fine general and com.
education — the former from the high schs of the vicinity where he
lived and from private tutors, and speaks fluently both Eng. and Fr.
He entered a general store at Queechy Vt., at 16 as clerk where he
remained some 11 yrs. Had charge of the d. g. dept and inside deco¬
ration of the E. A. Thomas store at Randolph, Vt. for 17 yrs. While
there he became acquainted with Miss Marguerite A. Beaudette who
was also employed in the same store, as decorator etc, and whom he
m. Her parents were Reuben and Annie (Battles) Beaudette. Her
ancestors for generations were sols. One at least and perhaps more
were of those sols who came over from France under Gen LaFayette
to fight for the Independence of the 13 Eng Colonies. After the war
he set’d in this country, while his bro, the father of Reuben, set’d in
Canada near the Vt state line. Mrs. Merchant was b at Stanstead,
P. Q. but removed when a very little ch with her parents to Vt. She
is well educated, speaks and writes French and Italian equally well
as English, has much business ability and a taste for the fine arts —
painting and poetry. Mr. Merchant came to N. in 1911 and suc¬
ceeded the Prince sisters, in the dry goods and ladies’ furnishing
business and has been wonderfully successful. — no ch.
Marston
Brackett Marston, a member of the So. of Friends, b Falmouth
May 18, 1786 m Sarah Hall. He came to N. in 1811. He d Sept 26,
1866 “aged 80.’’ She d Oct 21, 1880 “aged 87 yrs 9 mos.” 12 ch —
1, Elizabeth, b Jan 9, 1814 d in infancy; 2, Elizabeth Ann, b Mar 31,
1816 m William Hall; 3, Sarah Jane, b Feb 5, 1818 m Amos Upton
Jr.; 4, Wm A., b Jan 9, 1820 m 1. Matilda A. Bradbury, 2. Ellen
HISTORY OF NORWAY
463
Lovering; 5, Benjamin, b Nov 28, 1821 m Sarah Ann Smith, d Mar
16, 1894; 6, Eben, b Nov 26, 1823 m 1. Ellen Smith, 2. Mary Smith;
7, Mary, b Mar 10, 1826 m Robert Hall; 8, Lois, b Apr 10, 1829 m
Ephraim F. Wood; 9, Ruth, b May 5, 1831 m Alex. S. Thayer of
Paris; 10, Martha, b May 28, 1833 m David G. Pride of Waterford;
11, Susan Rebecca, b June 7, 1835 m Chas W. Ryerson; 12, Winslow
Brackett, b Oct 21, 1839 m 1. Jane McWain of Waterford, 2. Alice M.
Whitehouse. l.wd June 26, 1865. He d May 20, 1909. Wid living
unm (1923). 2 ch— Edith W., b Apr 2, 1864 m Virgil E. Dunn, d
Mar 10, 1912 and Frank W., b Aug 15, 1868 d Feb 9, 1896.
Wm A. Marston son of Brackett m Matilda A. Bradbury. For
many yrs he carried on the bakery business in the vill. His w d Aug
22, 1867 and he m 2. Ellen Lovering. He d abt 1900 and his wid m
Benj. Tucker 3d. 4 ch. All by 1. w; Ada /., b Jan 13, 1850; Lena
R., b Apr 30, 1858; Minnie, b Dec 25, 1860, d Sept 24, 1867, and Wm
B. Marston, b Apr 27, 1862.
Eben Marston, son of Brackett, m 1. Ellen dau of James and
Ellen (Ray) Smith who d Dec 16, 1855 and he m 2. her sister Mary.
He d May 29, 1912. 5 ch— last 3 by 2. w. 1, James Edwin, b Mar
12, 1851 m Florence Eunice Abbott. 4 ch — Florence Eleanor, b May
24, 1898; Geo Eben, b Dec 4, 1901; Ruth Ella, b Sept 17, 1903 m
Demeritt Hagar; and Lois Edwina, b Oct 14, 1905; 2, Georgia Ella,
b July 4, 1855 m Warren B. Whittier of Waterford, 1 ch, Sadie Ellen
m Bradford Burnham, res Medford, Mass. 2 ch, a son and a dau.
3, Mary Ellen, b Jan 17, 1859 m Joseph Clayton, a blacksmith in
Portland, 1 ch, Alice m Percy Dyer — res N. Y. 1 ch, Robert; 4,
Emma Jane, b Sept 10, 1861 m F. F. McIntosh of Portland, 1 ch,
Belle, m Dr John R. Hamel, city physician of Portland, 2 ch, John R.
Jr. d in infancy and Jeanette b Oct 1922; 5, Sadie, b abt 1873 m
Charles Chase of Somerville Mass. 1 ch, Mildred, b abt 1900.
McIntire
In Sullivan’s Hist, of Me., published in 1795, it is stated that
Oliver Cromwell, having defeated the Scottish troops that were
fighting for King Charles I of Eng., in a battle in the north of Eng.,
had taken many prisoners, and had some of them transported to N.
E. Among them were sev Mclntires and McDonalds, who set’d in
York in the Dist. of Me. One of the descendants of one or more of
these Mclntires, was Rufus, a lawyer and a M. of Congress from
Parsonsfield for two terms, from 1826-1831.
Philip McIntire, the progenitor of the Mclntires, of Norway and
Waterford, who according to tradition was a descendant also, of one
of them, set’d in Reading, Mass abt 1665. Hezekiah McIntire of
No. Reading m Hannah dau of David Upton. She was b in 1769.
Her sister Sarah b 1765 m 1791 John Henley, an early set in N. Some
of their families with David Upton Jr. came to N. abt 1800.
Hezekiah McIntire b No. R. Sept 1766 set’d in the western part
of the town of N. where he lived to his death Jan 26, 1852, aged 83
yrs, 4 mos — bur on Merrill Hill. His w Hannah had evidently d
many yrs before, and he had remarried, for when the census of 1850
464
HISTORY OF NORWAY
LESLIE E. MCINTIRE
SCENE ON LESLIE E. MclNTIRE’S FARM
HISTORY OF NORWAY
465
^aLtrk?n in °r his SOn Richard G. Mclntire’s family was Lydia
F. Mclntire aged 67, but she might have been an unm relative.
Richard G. McIntire was b abt 1812 for his age was given as 38
to census enumerator. He was twice m-1. to Fanny Cross who d at
No Reading and 2. Ruth - . He d at No. Reading June 30, 1879
and his w sur him but a few yrs. 4 ch, all by 1. w, 3 of whom d
Justin E. McIntire b July 22, 1837 m Amanda Johnson dau of
*ra b S^Pt 17, 1834‘ He IlVed the £reater Part of his life in Water-
lord. For many yrs was a dealer in cattle for the Brighton Market,
and acquired an extensive reputation for honorable dealing, which
his sons have inherited. His w d July 11, 1917. He d in N. Dec 17
1918 — bur at Bisbeetown, Waterford, 2 ch _
L „H0N' Leslie E-> b Norway Sept 5, 1858 m Edith R. Sawin of
Waterford. He is one of the best farmers in Me, and with his son
Clayton S. carries on sev large farms in E. Waterford, which they
own. They raise blooded stock and do an immense farming busi¬
ness. Mr. McIntire has ser in the leg. and on sev commissions by
appointment of the Gov. of the State— he being selected without solic¬
itation and for his ability and sound judgment. 2 ch — 1, Clayton S.
b July 21, 1882 m 1904 Alice A. Stone of Waterford. 4 ch Pauline'
b May 25, 1910, a son b Mar 28, 1913 d in infancy, Myron S b Nov
19, 1916, and Mary L., b Jan 29, 1918; 2, Lulu G., b Mar 28, 1884 m
1911 Roy E. Pinkham of Otisfield — no ch.
II. Hon. Bertrand G. b Norway Oct 27, 1866 m 1890 Alice
Sawin b June 25, 1867. Mr. McIntire has served as Sheriff of the
Co of Oxford, Chairman of the State Val. Com., Dir. in the Reserve
Bank of Mass., Vice-Pres of the Fed. Land Bank of the 1st dist,
covering N. E., N. Y. and N. J., — connected with the bank since
organization in Mar 1917, headquarters of 1st Dist Bk at Springfield,
Mass. He was a candidate for Gov in 1918 and 1920 and candidate
for Congress in the Me 2d Dist in 1922. He and his son Glenn are
large lumber dealers. He removed from Waterford to N. in 1918:
3 ch — 1, Carroll Lee, b Nov 18, 1892 d Dec 5, 1910; 2, Glenn R.,
b Jan 3, 1898, coll student and in business with his father, and 3,
Kathleen, b Feb 1, 1902, grad Bridgton Acad, m Norton S. Jillson of
Harrison.
Merrill
Enoch Merrill, a Rev Sol b Andover, Mass May 1750 m Martha
Wood b June 16, 1757. They set’d in the N. W. part of the town.
He d Aug 9, 1823 at 80, according to Mrs. Mercy A. Whitman’s
record. His w prob d before 1820. 10 ch— 1, Edmund, b 1777 m
Betsey Bancroft; 2, Enoch Jr., b Oct 22, 1780 m Katy Robinson of
Kittery; 3, Daniel, b Apr 17, 1782 m Sarah Powers; 4, Martha, b
Aug 7, 1884 m Nathaniel Millett; 5, Mary, b 1787 m Eben Bancroft;
6, Abigail, b Nov 1, 1790 m Lewis Hutchinson of Albany; 7, Rebecca,
b Apr 10, 1793 m Simeon Rowe of Oxford; 8, John, b July 13, 1795 m
1, Jane Dickey, 2, Sophronia Hazen; 9, Betsey, b Jan* 28, 1797 m
Benj. Flint Jr.; 10, Sarah, b 1799 m William Rowe of Oxford.
466
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Edmund Merrill, son of Enoch b 1777 m Betsey Bancroft b
Lynnfield 1777. He d Mar 2, 1831. Wid d Feb 2, 1855. 9 ch — 1,
Edmund b Mar 2, 1800 m 1821 Susan Merrill b Windham July 9,
1803 He d Apr 26, 1855. She d Dec 3, 1863. Their ch were
Stephen, b 1825, Betsey A., b 1831, Wm A., b 1833 Esther M., b 1835,
Fanny N., b 1839, Hiram, b 1841, Mary G., b 1845 and Oliver H., b
1847; 2, Samuel, son of Edmund sen. b 1802 m 1829 Mercy Brown.
He d 1844. She d 1855; 3, William, son of Edmund sen. b July 19,
1804 m Mercy Watson, set’d in Waterford. Of their ch was George,
b Nov 24, 1832 m 1. Sarah J. Cummings, 2. Adaline A. Savage. He d
Jan 27, 1911, lwd Mar 27, 1899. ch— 1, Glenn C., b June 21, 1859 d
in infancy; 2, Ada C., b Jan 20, 1863 m Charles E. Freeman; 3,
Clarence Watson, b July 17, 1865 m Annie L. Everett. Isaac W. bro
of Geo. b May 23, 1843 m 1874 Hattie E. Freeman. 2 ch, a son Henry
living at Manchester, N. H., and a dau Hattie who d youg. The
father d many yrs ago; 4, Betsey, dau of Edmund sen. b Oct 20, 1806
m 1836 Andrew Case; 5, Eliza, b Jan 27, 1808 m 1830 Ephraim Whit¬
comb; 6, Henry, b Nov 8, 1810 m 1834 Susan Haskell; 1, James, b
Sept 26, 1812 m 1834 Catherine French. He was killed in the battle
of Spottsylvania C. H. May 12, 1864. His son James L. was also a
sol in that war; 8, Martha, and 9, Olive d young.
Henry Merrill, son of Edmund sen m Susan Haskell b Aug 15,
1813. He d Nov 24, 1891. She d Oct 21, 1882. 7 ch— 1, Wm Henry,
b Feb 19, 1837 m Hannah Grover, 2. Jane A. Wheeler; 2, Oliver
Haskell, b Jan 5, 1842 d Jan 28, 1845; 3,. Susan A., b Oct 21, 1844 m
Hiram Merrill; 4, Charles A., b May 25, 1844 m Mary J. Clay, 2.
Eliza A. Warren; 5, Emma Jane, b June 7, 1850 m Wilbur L.
Packard; 6, M. Elizabeth, b Apr 27, 1853 m James C. Packard; 7,
Elbridge Dunn, b Oct 15, 1856 m Laura E. Mills.
Charles A. Merrill, son of Henry m 1. Mary J. Clay b July 25,
1847, d May 17, 1878 m 2. Eliza A. Warren. He lives in the vicinity
of Merrill Hill, and is a posperous farmer and a good citizen. 3 ch
by 1 w and 8 by 2. 1, Lillian Josephine, b Sept 21, 1872 m Ernest S.
Bennett; 2, Lind, on Henry, b Mar 20, 1874 m Myra W. Cummings,
ch— Fannie E., Lillian J., Edith M., Avis M., and Bernice M.; 3,
Walter Charles, b Apr 15, 1878 m Lulu Wheeler, res m N. Y.; 4, a
ch d in infancy; 5, Susie A., b Dec 5, 1882 m Fordyce Gammon; 6,
Cleora M., b Sept 22, 1884 m Harry O. Saunders; 7, lola A., b Sept
15, 1886 m 1. Andrew Nickerson, 2. Frank Harlow; 8, Ralph O., b
Sept 3, 1888 m Myrtle Ivy Sidelinger — no ch; 9, Harold F., b Nov
6 1891 m Pearl C. French — ch Roger P. — w d, m 2. Mary B. Stearns;
10, Rupert H., b Nov 11, 1893; 11, Merle Vernon, b Jan 6, 1895 m
Mabel L. Adams.
Stephen Merrill, son of Edmund Jr. b Aug 20, 1824 m 1. Abby
A Hutchinson of Albany b May 24, 1824 d Mar 6, 1867; m 2. Hannah
C. Jordan b Dec 10, 1845. He d Dec 9, 1910. Wid sur (1923) 6 ch—
1, Georgianna, b Aug 14, 1853 d July 18, 1873; 2, Isabella, b May 21,
1855 m Harry W. Jordan; 3, Caroline B., b June 10, 1858 d Nov 18,
1873; 4, Oliver H., by 2. w b June 30, 1869 m Virgie G. Hamlin of
Otisfield, b Feb 10, 1870. 2 ch— Ora A., b May 13, 1897 and Vera
HISTORY OF NORWAY
467
A., b Aug 9 1913; 5, Chandler C., b June 13, 1871 m Alice M Milli-
*e" 0 I’- 1876, d Nov 12, 1919, 2 ch -Avis b May 20,
7°R and Iola ib Jan 24, 1909; 6, Myrtilla G., b Oct 12, 1874 m Wm
b Sent To b189Tars6’r1873‘ll 6w~°ifa’ b N°V 15’ 1894’ Winford F.,
b Nov 20 ’iQ07 ’r ' V Apr 28> 1901 d Aug 3> 1913, Doris E.
b Nov 20, 1907, Lois E., b Nov 6, 1908 and Clyde L. b June 16, 1913.
Enoch Merrill (3) b Apr 28, 1806 m 1842 Esther A. Lovejoy dau
of Lemuel b May 28, 1815. He d Apr 6, 1889. She d Mar 7, 1901.
iCnh, 8 °fQ1^hom d young' Martha A., b Apr 3, 1851 m Charles A.
v rost d 1917 — no ch.
Millett
The Millett family is largely identified with Maine and Mass,
and is numerously represented in most every State in the Union’
The name wherever it exists is originally the same, they were proml
inent m Middlesex, Hereford and Cornwall, Eng. and even in the
Isle of Jersey. The two great artists, Sir John Everett Millett of
ondon and Francis Davis Millett, the American painter are from the
same stock, and the lines run back to the same French ancestry as
T1? fl°ff M'i,f!m0ulpamter 0f peasant life, Jean Francis Millett.
The first Millett in Eng came with William the Conqueror and never
t uUr™di’,he WaS Jean Millett of Hayes Court, Middlesex. In 1432
John Millett came from Normandy as Ambassador from the regent
of France and never returned to his native land. In 1513 one of the
Secs, of Henry VIII was John Millett. In 1516 the records show that
Henry Millett was clerk of the signet and in 1575 another Henry
* that plaCe WaS Lord of the Manor of Cornhill and the name
f,Jllett ls recorded in Herald’s Coll, and John Millett of Hayes
Middlesex was Lord of the Manor. In Cornwall the Milletts were
prominent— William Millett being sheriff in 1566. In Marazion and
Penzance the Milletts were the leading people. The mother of Sir
Humphrey Davy whose monument stands in Penzance was Grace
Millett. At Rosehaven a branch of the family lived in one house
from 1627 to the present day. The immigrant ancestor of the Ameri¬
can Milletts was Thomas Millett who was b in Eng. This Thos. Millett
belonged to the Herefordshire branch of the family, he m Mary
Greenway who was also b in Eng. His great grandfather, John
ilillett, gentleman, of Redwood near Leominster and his grandfather
was John Millett and lived in Chertsey, Surrey, and here Henry was
b. He was an attorney-at-law in Stapes Inn, Holborn and he m a
dau of John Chipman.
The first of the Bay Colonists to visit Me was John Millett, 2d son
of Thos. in 1661. The eldest son was Lieut. Thos. Millett who m
Mary Eveleth, — Gov. Endicott officiating, his 2. w was Abigail
Eveleth, wid of his w’s bro Isaac and dau of John Gatt. They were
blessed with three sons, Thomas, John and Nathaniel. Hon. Thomas
Millett’s was one of the distinguished families in America. He was a
shipbuilder and made several voyages to England and France in his
own ship as master. He also visited relatives bearing the name in
both England and France. He held prominent local and state offices
and for twenty years he was judge of the N. H. Supreme Court. His
younger brother John, married Eunice Babson. They had nine chil-
468
HISTORY OF NORWAY
dren. The three boys were David, who settled in New Gloucester,
John and Thomas. Lieut. Thos. Millett, son. of David, lived in New
Gloucester until after the Rev. War. He married Eunice Parsons
and they had four children, one of whom was the grandmother of
Gen. O. O. Howard (she was a sister of Dea. William Parsons).
Lieut. Thomas Millett’s adventures in the Rev. War were very in¬
teresting and it seems a pity they were never fully chronicled. He
enlisted in the Continental Army, May 3, 1775, 38 years old. The
company to which he belonged was in the Battle of Bunkei Hill. On
the way to battle the company was divided, part marching under
the Captain and part under Lieut. Millett. After the Siege of Bos¬
ton was over he went with Washington to Trenton as one of the sol¬
diers who remained after the time of their enlistment had expired.
After he returned home in April, he shipped for a year on board the
Hancock, a vessel of 32 guns under the command of Capt. John
Manley. In August he was captured by the British warship, Rain¬
bow and pressed into their service and his family did not hear from
him for sixteen months. His wife and four children lived, in New
Gloucester with William Parsons. After the war, he settled in Leeds,
in the then heart of the wilderness and lived there the rest of his life.
He died in 1829 at the age of 91. David, father of Lieut. Thomas
married Sarah Byles and settled in New Gloucester. He had sons,
David, Solomon, Thomas and Israel. In 1738 the Gov. of Massa¬
chusetts appointed John who was considered a great engineex for
those days, to make a good road from Royal River in No. Yarmouth
to the meeting house lot in New Gloucester, twelve feet wide, for cart
and horse, and to build a bridge over the River Royal (now Woodman
Bridge). Road and bridge were completed in 1739 and he was paid
170 pounds old tenor. He and his brother Solomon enlisted in the
Rev. War and at the Battle of Bunker Hill, Solomon was taken
prisoner and was never afterwards heard from. After the war John
was discharged and was entitled to one and two stripes, also an
honorable badge for faithful service. He and his brothers were
nephews of Capt. John of seafaring fame. Israel settled in Bow-
doin and was an ancestor of Frank and Anson Millett of Norway.
Capt. John Millett of Salem followed the sea from the age of 17.
There was a petition ordered Aug 30, 1780 by Joshua Grafton in
behalf of himself and other business men of Salem asking that said
John Millett be commissioned as commander of the sloop “Commerce”
carrying two guns, — one fore and one aft. The City Council ordered
that a commission be issued to Capt. John for a voyage to the French
West Indies. He was then commander of the brigantine “Harry.
He was accidentally killed in the West Indies, being Capt. of the
“Leopard” at the time. He left a large family, three sons, John,
Solomon and Nathaniel settling in Norway. The American painter,
Francis Davis Millett who went down on the Titanic said that m
his travels through England and Normandy he found Millett tomb¬
stones that were dated as far back as 900. There was a colony of
Romans settled in Normandy about that time and the Millett tomb¬
stones are among those of the Romans, and he had no doubt they were
of Roman parentage.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
469
John Millett Jr., b Jan 28, 1768 m Martha, d of Capt. Jona¬
than Sawyer of Gorham, b June 12, 1767. They settled in the south
part of the town. He d Nov 3, 1843 aged 75. His w d Apr 10, 1839
aged 71 yrs 10 mos— 11 ch: 1, Col. John, b June 12, 1791 m 1817
Abigail Parsons. 2, Solomon, b Jan 17, 1793 d June 16, 1872. 3, Dr.
Jonathan Sawyer, b Oct 6, 1794 m 1. Mary Parsons, 2. Sarah Parsons.
4. Maj. Henry Woodhouse b July 25, 1796 m Harriet Rust. 5, Amos,
b Aug 10, 1798 m 1827 Dorothy S. Reed. 6, Dea. Nathan, b Sept 11,
1800 m Mercy Sampson. 7, Joel, b Feb 2, 1802 m 1832 Betsey Par¬
sons. 8, Martha R., b June 26, 1804 m Henry C. Reed. 9, Mary
Woodhouse, lb Aug 31, 1806 m 1. Daniel Young, 2. Jared L. Young.
• 10, Sarah, b July 27, 1808 m Benj. Tucker, Jr. 11, Wm. W. D. S.,
b Sept 9, 1812 m Jane E. Robbins. He was a noted stage driver —
d Dec 17, 1880. His wife outlived him many years.
Col. John Millett m Abigail diau of John Parsons. He was
prominent in town and military affairs and agent for Edward Little
in the sale of lots on the Lee’s Grant. He d June 3, 1875. His w d
Aug 24, 1864 — 8 ch: 1, Dorothy Stevens, b June 19, 1818 m Thos.
Cousins of Poland. 2, Martha Sawyer, b Apr 5, 1821 m Otis True.
3. Abigail Parsons, b July 28, 1823 m Ezekiel Jackson. 4, John
Henry, b Apr 4, 1825 m Sarah E. Rice. 5, Dr. Jonathan Sawyer, b
Sept 4, 1827. He went to California during the gold excitement of
1849-52 and d before his return home. 6, Mary W. Parsons, b Dec
11, 1829 m 1. Stephen Morrill of Westbrook, 2. Abner F. Jackson.
7, Joel Parsons, b July 16, 1834 d young. 8, Isaac Parsons, b July
16, 1834 d unm in Cal.
John Henry Millett b 1825 m 1858 Sarah E. Rice of Waterford
b Dec 6, 1827. They lived and died in the Millett neighborhood; he
d Jan 18, 1902; she survived him several years — 6 ch: 1, Mary A.,
b Apr 21, 1860 m Frank L. Millett. 2, Jonathan S., b Aug 15, 1862.
3, John H., b May 16, 1866 d in infancy. 4, Francis E., b Dec 11,
1867 d in infancy. 5, John Henry Jr., b Mar 25, 1869 m Jennie M.
Patterson. They have three ch and one d in infancy. 6, Sadie E.,
b Sept 22, 1872 m Harry L. Patch.
Major Henry W. Millett b 1796 m Harriet Rust. He was
prominent in town and military affairs, sheriff of the county, P. M.,
mem. of the legislature, etc. He d Feb 28, 1869; wid d Sept 26, 1892 —
6 ch: 1, Sarah Rust, b Oct 20, 1829 m 1853 Gilbert Newhall, d in
Ills Feb 5, 1882. 2, Harriet Augusta, b Mar 23, 1831 m Abner F.
Jackson. 3, Eliza Maria, b July 24, 1834 m 1855 Joseph H. Newhall.
4, Capt. Henry Rust b Nov 16, 1835 m Myra J. Quinby; d in Port¬
land Nov 8, 1914 — 1 ch: Henry Quinby, b July 14, 1869 m M. Minnie
Dunham and res in Reading, Mass. — 1 ch: Esther, b Aug 5, 1906.
5, Evelina Rust, b Jan 10, 1839 d in infancy. 6, Louise Lee, b Aug
4, 1840 m 1870 Joseph Bennett, set’d in Leadville, Col. She d Oct
24, 1876.
Dea. Nathan Millett, b 1800 m 1827 Mercy Sampson, b Sept 15,
1804. They lived and died in the Millett neighborhood — he d Mar
23, 1890; wife had passed away many years before — 5 ch: 1, Handet
Rust, b Dec 19, 1827 m 1850 Benj. Bird. 2, Maria Louisa, b Dec 20,
470
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1830 m 1852 Newell C. Porter. 3 , Dea Nathan Willis, b Dec 5, 1834
m E. Augusta Noyes. 4, Martha M., b Mar 31, 1839 m 1858 Frank¬
lin Porter. 5, Julia E., b Apr 22, 1841.
Dea. Nathan W. Millett, b 1834 m 1866 E. Augusta Noyes b Feb
28, 1844. He was prominent in town and Baptist Church affairs.
He lived on the old homestead and died there Mar 23, 1900; wid d
Jan 6, 1902 — 5 ch: 1, Robert Nathan, b Dec 13, 1870 m 1. Kate
Hobbs, 2. 1911 Ella M. Fletcher. He is a grad of Colby and a suc¬
cessful high school teacher. 2, Mercy E., b May 30, 1873, clerk in
Nat. Bnk. 3, Susan L., b Sept 19, 1875 m 1897 Rev. Wm. Lombard,
grad of Colby and a Baptist clergyman. 4, Gertrude A., b Sept 16, ,
1879 d Feb 3, 1899. 5, Harriet Willis, b Feb 15, 1885 m Randall O.
Porter, 1 ch, Emma Elizabeth, b Oct 26, 1908. He d in 1923.
Solomon Isaiah Millett, son of Solomon and grandson of Capt.
John and Martha (Sawyer) Millett, b Harrison, Apr 12, 1816 m Har¬
riet Porter of Paris, b Aug 20, 1823. He was a self-made man.
Went to California and worked in the gold diggings, acquired a com¬
petence, purchased the Nathaniel Bennett farm on the east side of
the lake, and late in life removed to the old Ma j . Henry W. Millett
place in the village on the corner of Main and Paris Sts. He was a
leading political worker in his party, and for many years was con- .
nected with the business and financial interests of the town and vil¬
lage. He and his wife were respected for their moral worth and ex¬
cellent qualities. He d Jan 30, 1903. She d Oct 14, 1917 at 94 yrs
of age— 3 ch: 1, Alice Porter, b Apr 24, 1859 d lamented by all who
knew her, Jan 8, 1873. 2, Isah I., b Feb 7, 1861 m 1882 Geo. E.
Tubbs — 2 ch, Homer D. and Dorothy H. 3, E. Stella, b June 10,
1863, m 1. Geo. P. Whitney, Jr., 2. Arthur B. Hebbard.
Solomon Millett, son of Capt. John, b 1769 m Elizabeth, dau
of David Dinsimore of Minot, b in 1773. They settled in the south
part of the town on Millett Hill. He d Dec 18, 1857 aged 88. She
d July 24, 1849 aged 76 — 10 ch, several of whom d in infancy or
early. 3, Samuel, b Apr 6, 1801, went to Texas. _ Was a soldier in
the Mexican War, m South and bad three sons in the rebel army.
4, Eliza, b July 28, 1803 m Dr. Nathan A. Bradbury. 5, Hiram, b
Apr 27, 1805 m Rhoda Abbott Holt. He lived on the old homestead.
He d Feb 9, 1862. His w d May 12, 1878. Nearly all their six ch
died young. Solomon Holt, b Jan 12, 1845 m Amelia A. Perry, b Oct
22, 1860. He lived and died on the old place Feb 20, 1914. He was
a thrifty farmer and a good citizen. 6, Almira, b May 21, 1807 m
Thos. J. Cox of Dixfield.
Nathaniel Millett, the yougest child of Capt. John, b 1772, m
1. Susan Parsons— d July 21, 1803, 2. (1804) Martha Merrill. He
d Apr 9, 1852; 2. w d July 29, 1866 aged nearly 84 — 14 ch: 3 by 1.
and 11 by 2. w. 1, Hannah, b Apr 10, 1797 m 1821 Solomon Rowe,
set’d in Oxford. 2, Nathaniel, (b July 9, 1799 m Abigail French,
set’d in Wis. 3, Levi, b May 26, 1801 m 1828 Sarah R. Pike. 4,
Susan P b Feb 21, 1805 m 1827 Wm. Beal Jr.; set’d m Oxford.
5, Adeline A., b Feb 26, 1807 m Luther F. Pike. 6, Daniel Lewis b
Jan 19, 1809 m 1831 Mary Monroe, set’d in Waterford. 7, Chandler
HISTORY OF NORWAY
471
NATHANIEL MILLETT
FRED E. MILLETT
Freeman, b Apr 3, 1811 m 1833 Louisa Sampson set’d in Oxford.
8, Col. Geo. W., b July 27, 1813 m 1859 Emeline Ames set’d in Cam-
bridgeport, Mass., and d there. Was editor for a period, of the Ox¬
ford Democrat and Norway Advertiser. 9, Martha Ann, b Aug 15,
1815 m 1834 Thomas Pool, set’d in Brockton, Mass. 10, Eunice Bab-
son, b Apr 15, 1817 m 1839 Luther F. Foster; d Dec 2, 1862. 11
Elizabeth S., b Aug 30, 1819 m 1839 Wm Cox, Jr. 12, Louisa Jane,
b Jan 6, 1822 m 1847 Jonathan Richards set’d in Paris. 13, Orin
Francis, b Apr 19, 1824 m Minerva Bradbury set’d in Bangor. 14,
Solomon Sewell, b Apr 9, 1827 d in infancy.
Levi Millett, son of Nathaniel, sen, b May 26, 1801 m Sarah
Randall dau of Dudley Pike, b Mar 13, 1804 and set’d in the Millett
neighborhood. He d Nov 12, 1883—4 ch: 1, Sarah C., b Jan 6, 1835
d Mar 31, 1838. 2, Caroline P., b Feb 12, 1839 d Mar 3, 1863. 3,
Charles F ., b May 7, 1841 m Ellen M. DeCoster. 4, Sarah C., b Dec
15, 1844 m O. Q. Pratt set’d in Auburn.
Chas. Franklin Millett, son of Levi and Sarah R. (Pike)
Millett b May 17, 1841 m Oct 26, 1869 Ellen Minerva DeCoster, b
Nov 28, 1847 in Grafton, Mass. — 5 ch: 1, Chestina Mabel b Sept
472
HISTORY OF NORWAY
8, 1870 m Geo. A. Ambler of Charlestown, Mass. She d leaving 1 ch,
Halford H., b June 16, 1891. He m Lillian Henderson of Win¬
chester, Mass. — 2 ch, Meridith H. and Halford, b Dec 24, 1920.
2, Fred Ellsworth, b Aug 11, 1874 m Mrs. Rosa Emerson of St.
Michaels, Md. 3, Bernard Ferrin, b Mar 9, 1880, m Gertrude M. John¬
son of Bangor, Me — ch: Florence Evelyn, b July 8, 1906, Charles Al¬
fred d in infancy; Leroy Franklin, b May 19, 1910, and Halford Allis-
ton, b Sept 30, 1921. 4, Emma Frances, b July 10, 1882 m Richard
D. Hall of Waterville, Apr 1904— ch: Alliston Millett Hall b May 31,
1907. 5, William Frye, b Mar 22, 1886 m June 25, 1913 Margaret
Stein of New York City, ch: Wm. Charles, b Mar 11, 1915 d Mar 31,
1915, and Andrew Frye, b June 20, 1917. She d June 22, 1917 and he
m 2. Sept 4, 1920, Annie Gertrude Keegan of Detroit, Mich — ch,
June Ellen, b June 28, 1921.
Israel Millett, b Apr 1786, with his w Esther Coy b July 1788,
from Minot set’d near the Greenwood town line. He d May 18, 1826
aged 40. His wid survived him many years. She was living at the
age of 62 when the census was taken in 1850. She d Oct 1, 1858 —
7&ch. 4 d young. 4, Esther C., b abt 1819 m Sylvanus Porter of
Paris. 6, Israel Dwight, b 1821 m Ann Clarinda Emery of Green¬
wood. 7, Samuel, b Apr 1825 m Isabel M. Rogers of Paris.
Israel Dwight Millett, son of Israel m abt 1851 Ann C. Emery.
He lived on or near the old homestead. He d Aug 23, 1885. She
was living in May, 1922, aged abt 85 — 7 ch: I Justin Israel, b Aug
10, 1863 m A. Jane Gerry. She d Oct 21, 1907 aged 54 — 8 ch: Anna
L., b Nov 30, 1874; Alton, b Dec 30, 1876 m Emma F. Dolloff — 2 ch,
Myron Anson, b June 4, 1909 and Lawrence R., b Feb 4, 1912;
Mabel G., b July 1881; Jerome F., b Oct 13, 1883; Ethel M., b Aug 16,
1887; Myrtle E., b Apr 3, 1889 m Freeman Currier; Caroline B., b
July 1, 1892 m Dec 1915 Earl W. Farnum, and Gerald Frank b Oct
18, 1895 m Nov 1920 Louise V. Harriman, ch Glendon R., b June 14,
1921. II Anson Joseph, b Jan 2, 1865 m Josephine Crockett. She d
abt 1883. He d in 1923. Ill Llewellyn A., b Dec 6, 1857 m Marcia
Noyes of Greenwood. He d Aug 27, 1919—4 ch: Irving G., b Aug 23,
1882 d in infancy; Augusta E., b Feb 10, 1884 m Don H. Bean of
South Paris; Alice G., b Dec 30, 1886 d in Bethel Nov 8, 1920. IV
Frank Leroy, b May 10, 1860 m Mary A. Millett b Apr 21, 1860— eh,
John Leslie b July 26, 1901. V James Melvin, b July 15, 1863 m 1.
Matilda Newcomb; 2, Hattie E. Clifford— 3 ch, 2 by 1. w and 1 by 2d;
Wallace Melvin, b Dec 11, 1887 d Sept 23, 1890; Helen M., b Mar 26,
1892 m Harold A. Bailey, and Richard Melvin, b Nov 22, 1898 m 1922
Marian A. Clark. VI Eugene Danforth, b Jan 29, 1867 m 1890
Rose Chase Newcomb, b Nov 28, 1874—5 ch: Ralph Oliver, b Jan 12,
1894 d in France, in World War, Sept 27, 1918; Horace E., b July 6,
1896 m Lavinia A. Wing; Roy Israel, b July 23, 1904; Leland Anson,
b Aug 12, 1906 and Harold Frank b Nov 17, 1908. VII Ernest
Melrose, b Aug 24, 1874 m 1904 Lizzie A., dau of Jere H. Winslow
of So. Paris b July 19, 1859 — no ch.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
473
Mixer
Lee Mixer, b 1808 came to Norway in 1831. He was twice m- 1
to Esther Bennett, dau of Capt. Anthony, b July 29, 1808, d Oct 28
1842, m 2. Deborah Bennett, sister of 1. w, b May 30, 1797’ d Julv 24’
1874. ’
Mr. Mixer was in the boot and shoe business for many years.
Also in the tanning business, prominent in town affairs, rep to the
legislature in 1851-2 and voted for the Maine Law; treas of Norway
Sav Bank — a highly respected citizen; d Oct 21, 1875 — 1 ch, Angelia
M., b 1839 m Jackson Clark, who came here in the fifties and engaged
in the boot and shoe business which he carried on through the greater
part of the remaining years of his life. He was b in 1833, a son of
Gen. Philo Clark of Turner. His w d Dec 20, 1890 and he m 2. Mrs.
Rosa Child. He d Feb 27, 1914 aged 81. Wid d Oct 14, 1919 aged
81—1 ch by 1. w, Fanny 'E., b Mar 1859 m Wm C. Leavitt. She d
Nov 16, 1911 aged 52 yrs 8 mos; m 2. Mabel Keazer of Colebrook, N.
H. — 4 ch: 1, June Elizabeth m Ernest W. Hutchins and has several
ch; 2, George Clark b Nov 2, 1888, on Boston newspaper staff.
3, William H., b Dec 27, 1893, mechanic and tinsmith; 4, Christine, b
June 25, 1896, a trained nurse, unm.
Horace E. Mixer of another family, a carpenter and builder, m
Lizzie B. Pride of E. Waterford. He resides on the corner of Cot¬
tage and Beal Sts.— ch: Carl P., Maude R., Charles A., Rupert A.,
David Roland and Virginia M.
Morse
The Morses of Norway and Paris trace their ancestry to Samuel
1, b England in 1585. He came to America with his w and several ch
in 1635 and set’d first at Watertown, Mass., next at Dedham. Samuel
was a church member and a man of note. His w, Elizabeth was 48
when the family came to New England. The Paris Morses are
descendants of Joseph 2, who was 20 yrs old in 1635. The Norway
Morses to John 2, the oldest child b England in 1611. He m Annis
Everard and first lived at Dedham but removed to Boston in 1654,
where he carried on the business of a merchant tailor. He went
back to England the next year — his father having died in 1654, prob¬
ably to receive an inheritance for himself and perhaps his brothers,
as a change in his financial affairs at once followed. He made his
will in 1655 and died two yrs after. He left his wid 40 pounds and
the rest of his estate valued at 385 pounds 9 shillings and 5 pence, to
his eight or nine ch, — “each to have a like proportion and not one to
have more than another.” The wid returned to Dedham, and sold her
Boston residence in 1670 for 51 pounds. She died in 1693, leaving
her property to be divided equally between her surviving children,
Ruth, Ezra, Abigail, Ephraim and Bethiah. She was of the very
best of the Puritan stock — her father Edward Everard being an
ancestor of a future president of Harvard College and Col. John
Dwight a progenitor of a president of Yale. John and his wife had
joined the church at Watertown in 1640, where the celebrated Roger
Williams was baptized. They had lived blameless lives. Ezra 3
was b at Dedham in 1643. He m Joanna Hoar. In the 19th century
474
HISTORY OF NORWAY
this family produced a U. S. Senator and several otherwise distin¬
guished individuals. Ezra was a miller and lived at Dedham. There
are no records at hand showing when he or his wife passed to the
higher life. Their oldest child was Capt. and Dea. Ezra 4, b Dedham
Jan 28, 1671. He followed the business of his father. It does not ap¬
pear what the name of his wife was from any memoranda at hand.
He was a dea. of the 2d church in Dedham for 24 yrs. He d Oct 17,
1760 in his 90th yr. His 3d ch, Capt. Joseph 5, b Apr 29, 1706, lived
awhile in Walpole, where in 1728 he m Sarah Lewis. They settled in
Dedham and joined his father’s church there in 1746, by dismissal
from their church in Walpole. He was a rep from Dedham in the
Gen Court in 1759 and 1770. His w having d he m 2. Sarah Clark
but had no ch by her. The writer has no record of the date of his
death. Sergt. Nathan 6, his 7th and youngest ch was b in Walpole,
June 28, 1741. He m Dec 28, 1763, Sarah Bacon. Sergt Nathan
Morse was a Minute Man in the early days of the Rev, “a member
of the alarm list” and marched to Cambridge on hearing of the Brit¬
ish expedition to Lexington and Concord, Apr 19, 1775. He served
in the “Northern Department” and marched to Bennington, Vt.,
where Gen John Stark won immortal renown. Promoted Sergt for
meritorious service. After the war set’d in Lewiston. Nathan 7 Jr,
b Lewiston 1788 m Mary Crockett, b Apr 21, 1790. They set’d in
Norway on Crockett Ridge in 1814. Late in life they moved to South
Paris, where she d Dec 11, 1867 and he Apr 20, 1870. Nathan Morse
was well formed, had light complexion and light hair. His wife was
more slightly built. She had a dark complexion with fine expressive,
dark eyes, and showed, even in old age, traces of the beauty she must
have had in her youth. Both had lived exemplary lives — 12 ch:
I Joseph Robinson, b June 4, 1810 m 1. Lydia Twombly, 2. Elvina
Lowe. Set’d in Paris — 5 ch: Henry by 1. w, Lydia, Daniel, B. Frank
and Mary by 2. II Sally Bacon, b Aug 15, 1811 m Josiah Small
of Greenwood, d 1840 — 2 ch, Nathan Morse and Sarah. Ill Betsey
C., b Apr 2, 1813 d Dec 10, 1815. IV Judith, b Nov 1814 d Oct
1816. V Judith Crockett, b Dec 24, 1817 m Ansel Dinsmore. VI
Edwin A., b Mar 28, 1820 m 1852, 1. Clara Miles, 2. Sarah Blake—
1 ch, Edwin C., b Oct 2, 1862, d May 10, 1910. Wid d Apr 19, 1906.
VII Mary, b Aug 9, 1822 d Sept 8, 1823. VIII Mary Jane, b July
12, 1824 m John Woodman — no issue. IX Lucinda Shackly, b Jan
3o’ 1828 m Charles Scott, set’d in Minn. X Ben]. Franklin, b Mar
20, 1830 m 1. Eliza J. Knight, 2. - Stone, res Paris, and Church
Hill, Md.— 2 ch, Herbert, a merchant at Minneapolis, Minn, m and
has several ch, and Eva. XI Julia Ann, b Feb 4, 1833 m Albeit M.
Hammond of Paris Hill— ch: Arthur W. m Olive A. Ripley— in busi¬
ness in Berlin, N. H., and a dau who d in infancy. XII Hannah B.,
b June 30, 1836 m John J. Morton of So. Paris — ch: Ada, m N. Day-
ton Bolster; Helen; Ralph and Harry.
Murdock
Francis W. Murdock, machinist, is the son of John H. and
Lucinda M. (Lovejoy) Murdock. The father, a traveling salesman
d here, Jan 20, 1914 “aged 71.” Wid d in Oxford, Jan 28, 1918, “aged
HISTORY OF NORWAY
475
69. The son has operated a machine shop here for many years.
He m June 1898, Virgalyn A. Jordan and has 2 ch: Guy E., b Feb
24, 1902 and Ralph b June 10, 1907.
Needham
John Needham of Tewksbury, Mass., b 1759, was a Rev. Sol. and
pensioner. He m Mary Shedd, b Aug 13, 1767. He d Apr 24, 1840
“aged 81.” She d Mar 20, 1856. Of their ch: Lydia m Amos Mars-
ton; Hannah S. m David Noyes; John Jr. m Abigail Holt of Albany;
Alice m John Gurney; Evi m Maria Latham; Thomas J. m Mary
Stevens; William m Eliza Stevens; Lucy m Asa Pool, and Laurana
m David Holt of Albany.
Evi Needham, son of John, the Rev. Sol. b abt 1802 m Maria
Latham, b 1804. They lived till abt 1840 in the north part of the
town, and removed to Bethel where he died and his wid m Enoch
Stiles. She was the dau of Stephen and Abigail (Whitman) Latham
of Bridgewater, Mass, and Norway. They had nine children, eight
of whom were b in N. or Greenwood — the last in Bethel. The 3d,
WILLIAM O. NEEDHAM
LIEUT. SUMNER
H. NEEDHAM
Sumner H., b Norway Mar 2, 1828 m Hannah Johnson, set’d at Law¬
rence, Mass. He enlisted from that city in Apr 1861 in the sixth
Mass. Regt, which while passing through Baltimore, Md. for Wash¬
ington, was attacked by a mob of rebel sympathizers and he was
mortally wounded with two others. It was the first blood shed on
the Union side in the War of the Rebellion. He had been First Lieut,
in the military company at Lawrence but enlisted as a private in the
company hastily organized for the defense of the capital. He had
a taste for military affairs and had he lived would undoubtedly have
risen to high station during the war. The attack on the Mass, sol¬
diers was made on Patriot’s Day, which profoundly stirred Mass,
and New England from the Canada line to the sea. A monument
to his memory was erected by the city of Lawrence.
William, son of John the Rev. Sol. b Feb 2, 1800 m Eliza Stevens
b Mar 26, 1804. He d June 4, 1881. She d Oct 22, 1880. They had
lived in Norway and Greenwood — 4 ch: Wm. Oscar, the youngest, b
476
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Dec 27, 1845, was a soldier in the Civil War in the 32d Me Regt. He
is living (1923) in N. vil., unm.
Thos. Jefferson, bro of William b June 5, 1803 m Mary Stevens,
b abt 1808. They lived in G. and N. He d Nov 16, 1882. Of their
ten or more ch was George E., b 1845 who was a sol in Co. G of the
14th Me. Regt. He d Apr 11, 1862, while in the service.
Stephen H. Needham, son of John Jr., b Greenwood, Mar 5, 1818
m 1846 Mary Ann Taylor, b Shelburne, N. H., Jan 26, 1826. Re¬
moved to Norway abt 1860, and went to farming — 6 ch: 1, Evi F., b
Nov 4, 1848 m Addie E. Packard of Greenwood, d Nov 17, 1869. 2,
Stephen A., b Oct 28, 1851 m Rose T. Thomas of Greenwood. 3,
Hannah M., b Mar 11, 1855 m 1872 Geo W. Richardson of Greenwood.
4, Claudius Noyes, b Aug 11, 1860 m 1882 Edna L. Corliss. 5, Emma
R., b June 25, 1866 m 1882 Timothy Heath. 6, Asa F., lb Aug 26, 1871.
m Nellie Hussey.
Nevers
Alonzo J. Nevers, son of William Jr. and Hannah (Holden)
Nevers, was b in Sweden, July 19, 1843. He came to Norway after
the Civil War and was in business here for nearly fifty years. He
was a soldier in the 17th Me. and was severely wounded in the foot
in the assault of his command on the rebel fortifications in front of
ALONZO J. NEVERS DR. HARRY NEVERS
Petersburg, Va., in June 1864, and was discharged for disability and
was pensioned for this gunshot wound. He was appointed P. M. in
1881 and served four years. He was in trade in the Howe store for
many years — was twice married, 1. to Sarah Perkins of Mechanic
Falls, who d abt 1869. 2. to Rose J. Hill b Mar 28, 1846. She d
Sept 19, 1922. He d Jan 3, 1918, aged 74—5 ch— 1 by 1. w and 4
by 2. 1, Elizabeth S., b Sept 13, 1867 m Wm Herbert Young of
Portland — 3 ch, Ralph, Harry and Donald. 2, Grace K., b Sept 5,
1871 m Llewellyn H. Cushman — 1 ch, Marieta N. 3, Percy H., b Oct
28, 1873 m Nettie M. Small of Stoneham — 6 ch: Roland S., b Sept 10,
1894 m Mildred M. Morgan of Bethel; Madeline Rose, b Jan 3, 1897 d
July 19, 1915; Percy H., b June 21, 1900; Paul Leslie, b Mar 17,
1903; Harold James, b Oct 17, 1905 and Irene, b Oct 5, 1908. 4, Dr.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
477
Harry H., b Apr 9, 1876 m Susan I. Bean of Concord, N. H., phy¬
sician and surgeon; major in Med. Dept. Mass. Art. in World War,
res Lawrence, Mass. — no ch. 5, Lauretta O., b Aug 4, 1881 m How¬
ard S. Maxim — no ch.
Newcomb
Thomas L. Newcomb, tanner and farmer, b Harrison, May 17,
1834 m 1856 Amy C. Smith b Otisfield, June 5, 1834. He d June 3,
1907. Wife d Nov 21, 1897—7 ch: 1, Alfred A., b Nov 8, 1858 m
1882 Belinda C. Hartford of Brownfield. 2, Emma A., b Feb 17,
1862 m John P. Cullinan, a coal and wood dealer in N. for many
years. He'd Feb 5, 1919; wid d Nov, 1922. Ch: Walter P., a wood
dealer, m Dolly Yeaton, 2 ch, a dau Ruth d in infancy, and a son b
July 15, 1902. 3, Sarah A., b Jan 14, 1865 m George Morse, res
Salem, Mass. 4, Wm. T., b July 27, 1867 m 1893 Flora Grover of
Albany — 3 ch: Annie, b Oct. 16, 1895 m Donald J. Andrews; Leon
George, b Sept 1, 1897 m Mary Louise dau of Elbridge G. Gammon —
2 ch: Adelaide Louise, b July 30, 1921 and George William b Aug 4,
1922. Mr. Newcomb has a large meat and provision store in Dan-
forth block, cor Main and Danforth Sts.; Dorothy, b Sept 14, 1904,
student in high school. 5, Estella C., b Dec 26, 1871 m 1891 Alphonso
Irish, res Danvers, Mass. 6, Walter L., b Sept 27, 1873, res Lowell,
Mass., unm. 7, Jessie G., b Dec 31, 1878 m Wiliam Losier, res Otis¬
field.
Noble
The Nobles of Norway are descended from the English emigrant
Thomas Noble who died in Westfield, Mass, abt 1720. Nathan Noble,
probably grandson of Thomas, b New Milford, Conn., Feb 3, 1722,
was killed at the battle of Saratoga, Oct 7, 1777. His son, Nathan
Jr, b Feb 20, 1761, in the village of Stroudwater near Portland,
served a period in the War of the Revolution from Gray, where he
became acquainted with the Stevenses and Hobbses, and m Hannah,
dau of Jeremiah Hobbs, sen, and was induced by his brothers-in-law
and the Stevens brothers to come with them to the Rust tract, to
make their permanent homes. He was one of the ablest and most
prominent of the earliest settlers. He was killed by a tree falling
upon him, while clearing land on his farm Jan. 13, 1827. His w d
Mar 26, 1825 — 14 ch: 1, Amos Hohbs, b Aug 1, 1786 m Betsey Whit-
marsh. 2, Jeremiah Hobbs, b July 8, 1787 m Almira Gurney. 3,
Nathan, b Aug 3, 1790 d Sept 26, 1792. 4, Simeon, b Jan 15, 1792
m Betsey Flint. 5, Daniel, b Mar 18, 1793 m 1. Hannah - ; 2.
Asenath - . 6, Nathan, b Nov 12, 1794 m Mary Jordan. 7,
David, b Feb 4, 1796 m 1. a Flint; 2. a French. 8, Simon, b June 12,
1797 m 1. Lydia C. Ayer, 2. Maria Kimball. 9, Henry, b Apr 18,
1799 m 1. Sabrina Burnham, 2. Mary Haskell, 3. Keziah J. Hill. 10,
Solomon, b Sept 28, 1800 m Ann E. Shaw; d June 30, 1876 — no ch.
11, Hannah, b July 24, 1802 m John Dennett of Paris. 12, Clarissa,
b Sept 17, 1804 m Moses Ames. 13, Reuben, b Oct 1, 1806 m Ellen
A. Kimball. 14, Mary, b Feb 27, 1809 m John Dennett.
Nathan Noble, Jr., b Nov 12, 1794 m Mary, dau of Timothy Jor¬
dan of Otisfield, b June 4, 1803. For many years he was in trade at
Noble’s Corner and gave his name to the place — 10 ch: 1, Isannah
478
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Capen, b Jan 6, 1824 m Uriah Upton. 2, Cordelia Dunham, b Mar
16, 1825. 3, Adeline Elizabeth, b Oct 15, 1826. 4, Martha Gilbert,
b Apr 13, 1828. 5, Aurelius Cleveland, b Oct 31, 1830. 6, Wm.
Henry Harrison, b Jan 30, 1832, Sol. in the 29th Me., wd at Cedar
Creek, Va., Oct 19, 1864 — arm amputated. 7, Caroline Amelia, b
Mar 16, 1835. 8, Martha Jordan, b June 15, 1837. 9, May Ellen, b
May 29, 1841. 10, Francis Marion, b Mar 31, 1845 m Myra P. Hall.
F. Marion Noble m Myra P. Hall, b Mar 5, 1850. He was a Sol.
in the Civil War. He d Feb 3, 1899. She d Mar 29, 1902—5 ch:
1, Frank G., b July 25, 1869 m Emma C. Symonds. Fred H., b
F. MARION NOBLE
FRED H. NOBLE AND WIFE
HISTORY OF NORWAY
479
Mar 23, 1873, m Christine Bird Tubbs. 3, Nathan A., b Oct 26, 1876
m Ethna Pearl Dunham. 4, William M., b June 11, 1886 m 1907
Nellie B. McAllister. 5, Lona E., b Feb 7, 1888, a trained nurse, unm.
Frank G. Noble, oldest child of Francis Marion and Myra P.
(Hall) Noble, m Emma C. Symonds. He lived on the old homestead
near Nobles’ Corner; d Dec 3, 1902 and his wid m Frank S. Packard.
He d abt 1920 — ch all by 1. marriage: Dorothy, a trained nurse,
Ruth Symonds, b Dec 12, 1895, a teacher in the Norway village
schools, m Elgin Greenleaf. Asa, by 2. m.
Fred Hall Noble m Sept 1, 1894 Christine Bird Tubbs. They live
on the old Tubbs homestead; formerly resided near Bolster’s Mills.
Thrifty farmer. Prominent in organizing Farmers’ Union of Nor¬
way and is manager of its milling business which is very successfully
carried on — 5 ch: two first b in Norway, the others in Harrison
1, Marian Calista, -b Sept 21, 1895, grad Wellesley, Mass., 1921, head
of English Dept, Ohio, Mechanics Inst., Cin.; 2, Myra Harriette, b
Jan 30, 1897, attended Wellesley, is student in Ohio Coll, of Dentistry
of Cin. Ohio; 3, Philip Tubbs, b Aug 2, 1901 grad Norway High
Sch 1920, will grad at M. M. School, Hampton, Va., next year; 4,
Fred Gilbert, b Sept 25, 1905; 5, Francis Bird, b June 18, 1908. The
two youngest ch are students in N. H. S.
Nathan A., m 1897 Ethna Pearl Dunham. She d May 1918 — 9
ch: 1, Ethna F., b Aug 29, 1899; 2, Nathan A., b May 19, 1901; 3,
Rose E., b Sept 14, 1903 m Aug 1922 Cecil L. Barnes; 4, Cherry P.,
b Aug 28, 1905; 5, Floretta F., b Sept 10, 1907; 6, Amos H., b Dec
22, 1909; 7, Orin A., b May 19, 1913; 8, Lona E., b Sept 21, 1915,
and 9, Pearl D., b May 16, 1918.
Henry Noble, son of Nathan the pioneer, b 1799, m Sabrina
Burnham. She d Mar 10, 1841. He m 2. Mary Haskell. She d
Dec 16, 1845 and he m 3. Keziah J. Hill of Paris. He lived on the
old Noble homestead— 5 ch, all by 1. w. 1, Aaron Capen, b Nov 17,
1828 m 1853 Hannah P. Gorham, b Apr 1, 1832. He d Mar 18, 1897.
She d Oct 30, 1904—1 ch, Nellie J., b Nov 8, 1865 m Dr. E. H. Cook—
both d without issue. 2, Lydia Ann, b Oct 30, 1831 m Albion Ed¬
wards. 3, Harriet Burnham, b June 24, 1834 m Eliab B. Coy. 4,
Sabrina Jane, b Feb 28, 1841 m 1. John W. Greely, 2. Theo L. Lasselle.
5, Elizabeth d unm.
Noyes
Capt. Ward Noyes, b Andover, Mass., 1772 m Clarissa Wood, b
there 1776. He was the first of the name to settle here — coming to
town about 1800. Was a carpenter and builder and erected many
houses and barns in the western part of Norway where he lived. He
was once prostrated by a bolt of lightning and was severely injured
at the raising of the frame for the dwelling house of Nathaniel P.
Shedd in 1818, when Lemuel Shedd was killed. He d four years
after, Apr 22, 1822. His wid d Oct 18, 1840—12 ch, several of whom
d young: 1, Alice B., b 1801 m John S. Shedd, d 1828. 2, Clarissa, b
1803 m Silas Shedd. 3, Ward, b 1808 m 1. Wealthy D. Hobbs, 2.
Harriet (Needham) Pressey, set’d in Portland. She d Jan 6, 1855.
480
HISTORY OF NORWAY
4, Amos F., b Dec 14, 1812 m Lydia F. Hobbs. 6, David F., b Jan.
11, 1817 m Emily Smith. He was P. M. in N. for several years; d in
Mass. 8, Geo. A., b 1820 — set’d in Mass., d in 1862 in the Civil War.
Col. Amos F. Noyes son of Ward, m Lydia F. Hobbs, b June 27,
1814. He was a carpenter, farmer and prominent in town affairs
and in the militia, in which he rose to the rank of Lieut. Col. He led
the Norway Co. to Augusta in the “Aroostook War” of 1839 and or¬
ganized three companies of soldiers for the Civil War, of two of which
he was captain. His w d Feb 8, 1895. He survived her several yrs
dying Mar 2, 1904, in his 92d yr. — 10 ch: I Amos Oscar, b Mar 6,
1837 m Anna Chase of Fryeburg. He was a druggist and town treas,
and in his day one of the most popular citizens of Norway. He d
Oct 13, 1878; his wid d in Fryeburg May 24, 1914 — 2 ch : 1, George
Lorenzo, b Aug 30, 1863 m Belle Smith — 2 ch, Geo. Leon, b Feb 17,
1891 d in infancy, and Gordon Max, a Sol. in World War; 2, Della
M. Spofford, b Falmouth Oct 7, 1868, adopted ch and unm. II,
Lorenzo Hobbs, b Aug 19, 1838 d May 26, 1861. Ill Georgianna,
b Nov 8, 1841 d Oct 26, 1843. IV Marcia E., b July 26, 1842 m
1862 Levi C. Fogg, a Civ War Sol. He d in 1864 from dis con in the
service. She d Apr 11, 1867 — no ch. V, Elizabeth Etta, b July 26,
1844 d Oct 7, 1847. VI Catherine Hobbs, b Dec 7, 1846 m 1869
W. Frank Cox. She d May 1922. VII Clara Anna, b Nov 26, 1851,
a school teacher, m A. M. Gerry, a druggist of So. Paris — d Mar 4,
1894. VIII Lydia Etta, b Nov 14, 1853, unm 1923. IX Frank
Herbert, b Jan 17, 1856 m 1. Ella A. Bennett. She d June 12, 1912 —
1 ch: Mildred Elizabeth, b Oct 10, 1897 m Paul Hosmer who is in
the postal service — ch, Pauline Elizabeth, b Jan 19, 1923. Frank H.
Noyes m 2. Mrs. Flora H. Lewis; 3. Bertha (Whitman) Sturtevant
of So. Paris. She is the dau of George W. Whitman a Civil War Sol.,
grand dau of Joseph and g g grand dau of Jacob Whitman the Rev.
Sol. and his w, Abigail Packard. X Wealthy Hobbs, b May 21, 1858
m 1878 John F. Horne — res Portland.
David Noyes, a bro of Ward Noyes, b in Mass., June 16, 1788,
came to Norway in 1804; was a school teacher, surveyor, farmer,
prominent in town affairs and author of the first Norway History.
He d in Mass. Sept 12, 1871 “aged 83 yrs 2 mos 26 d.” “His w was
Hannah Shedd Needham, b Mar 29, 1790. She d Feb 5, 1859 — 5 ch:
1, Henry L., b May 22, 1812 m Kate G. Wheelock. He d June 7, 1841
and she d May 26, 1843 “aged 32.” 2, Otis S., b Sept 2, 1814 d June
30, 1831. 3, David Brown, b Aug 26, 1817 m Lydia N. Small. 4.
Claudius Augustus, b Oct 17, 1820 m Rowena Cox, b Oct 7, 1824 —
set’d in Boston. 5, Sarah Maria, b Oct 9, 1823 d May 31, 1842.
Bela Noyes, son of John and Sarah (Hersey) Noyes was a Rev.
Sol. He was b in 1759 in Bridgewater, Mass., and m Elizabeth
Mahan of Worcester, b 1760. He came to Norway abt 1812. Bela
Noyes d Aug 21, 1833 “aged 73.” His wid d Dec 31, 1843 “aged
83” — 9 ch: 1, Sarah, b abt 1790 m Daniel Hobbs. 2, John, b 1793
m Hannah Young, b 1797 set’d in Greenwood. 3, Bela Jr., b 1794
m Honor Prince, b 1800. 4, William, m Sally Daniels. He kept a
public house for travelers in Greenwood for many years; d in Paris.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
481
5. Betsey, m Robert Bearce set’d in Hamlin’s Grant,
b, Mary, m Sylvanus Bartlett, set’d in Hamlin’s
Grant. 7, Elizabeth, d unm. 8, Levi, m Mary Young. 9, Asa.
Bela Noyes Jr., lived near Noble’s Corner. A building he was in
took fire while he was asleep and he was injured so severely that it
caused his death, Nov 5, 1860. His wife d Aug 13, 1858 “aged 60
yrs 5 mos”— her gravestone states. And her husband’s gravestone
states that he was “aged 66 years.” But the census lists for 1850
give his age as 52 and hers as 50—4 ch: 1, Washington, b Mar 13,
1828 m Julia A. Horr, set’d in Gorham, N. H. 2, Warren, b Mar 7,
1831 m Mary E. York— set’d in Gorham, N. H. 3, Robert Prince, b
Jan. 23, 1834 m Harriet M. Woodbury, set’d elsewhere. 4, Avhia P
b May 6, 1840.
Robert Noyes a book binder from Portland, b Feb 26, 1811, was
connected with neither of the Noyes families mentioned. His parents
were John and Dorcas (Gooding) Noyes. His w was Elizabeth
(Illsley) Souther b P. Mar 20, 1816. They set’d in Norway in the
early forties. Mr. Noyes was the personification of good nature and
kindliness. He.d Mar 14, 1888. His w d Feb 16, 1888. But two of
their five children lived to grow to maturity — Geo. H., Helen Maria,
and Frederick Barnard dying in infancy. 3, Elizabeth Augusta, b
Feb 28, 1844 m Nathan W. Millett. 5, Helen M., b Feb 6, 1848 d
unm, 1920.
O’Brien
Lewis O’Brien, b in Quebec, 1831, m Asenath Hutchinson of
Buckfield, b 1834. He was a merchant tailor and in Norway for
many years. Late in life he removed to Auburn and d there in 1893.
Wid d 1911 — ch: 1, Alton, b 1852 m - Plummer of Waterford.
He was a clerk in the P. O. in Auburn for several years, d in 1911.
Their ch, Lewis and Allie, b respectively in 1879 and 1881, d in in¬
fancy. Lewis H., son of Lewis, b 1859 d at 8 nearly, and Willard d
in infancy. All are buried in Pine Grove. Besides these three chil¬
dren Lewis O’Brien and his estimable wife had two daughters.
Emma J ., b June 23, 1857 m Charles H. Sargent, son of M. B. and
Lucy (Pace) Sargent of Searsport, b Feb 15, 1853. He had previ¬
ously m Jennie E. Bennett who d Apr 8, 1876. 1 ch by 2. w.
Virginia E., b Aug 31, 1882 >m Hal R. Eaton, ch Sargent Eaton.
Inez Virginia, b abt 1863 m Henry Merrill, set’d in the West. She
was a fine scholar and with Annie Haskell led all her classes in our
schools.
Ordway
John Ordway, a carpenter and builder, came to Norway soon
after the U. S. census of 1800 was taken. He was at work building
the two story house on the corner of Main and Deering Sts., for John
Deering in 1804 when David Noyes came to Norway from Mass. He
removed to Sangerville. How much of a family he had while in
Norway does not appear. Amos Ordway, his bro, b in N. H. in 1774,
lived several years in North Yarmouth, where he was captain of a
military company and m a Robbins. He came from Portland to
Norway abt 1826. His w d and he m 2. Mary, oldest child of Samuel
482
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Ames, b Oct 19, 1783. He d Nov 13, 1857—3 ch by 1. w. 3, George
James, b St. Andrews, N. B., Oct 8, 1811 m Olive G. Robbins of No.
Yarmouth. When a young man he went on a voyage to China and
returning to Norway went into business as a merchant. He bought
the old Barton store and fitted it up in modern style. He was a whig
in politics and was appointed P. M. on the election of Gen. Wm. H.
Harrison to the Presidency in 1840. Invested largely in real estate
and bought the tract bordering on the bog owned by Samuel Ames,
and on it was the wood lot since known as “Ordway’s Grove.” He
went outside his regular business too much, and lost $10,000 a for¬
tune for those days, and had to wind up his affairs in bankruptcy,
Avhich was greatly to be regretted for he was doing a great deal for
the prosperity of the village at that period. He d in Boston Oct 12,
1872. His w d Mar 13, 1865 “aged 60 yrs 5 mos.”
John A. Ordway, son of Amos Jr., b St. A. Oct 20, 1825, was a
clerk in his uncle’s store, and ass’t P. M. Afterwards he went to
Boston and engaged in mercantile pursuits, and accumulated a hand¬
some fortune. He m 1860 Charlotte W. Partridge of Yonkers, N. Y.
She d at Boston in 1880. He survived her many years.
Oxnard
John Oxnard, the English emigrant, came to the U. S. in the
early part of the nineteenth century. His w was of Scottish descent.
They set’d in Portland, Maine, where he was in trade for many years.
He had 5 ch —William, Edward, John Jr., Lucy and Mary Ann.
Lucy m a Fox and Mary Ann a Mosely.
John Jr., was connected with the financial interests of Portland
for many years. After the great fire of 1866, he lived a few years
in Norway. His w d in Norway aged 67. He d in Portland, Dec 11,
1887 in his 93d year. They had 5 eh: 1, George m Louise Scobel. He
was U. S. Consul in Ontario, Canada. 2, John E. m Maria Pomeroy
of Portland. He was an agt of Mich Cen Ry — res Detroit. 3,
Horace C., b Portland, Aug 4, 1840 m 1. Nancy Lunt, 2. Mary A.
Shedd. 4, Frank S., b Portland, Nov 1, 1842 m Alice Tucker. 5,
Mary E ., b abt 1845 m Edward P . Staples, res Portland.
HORACE C. OXNARD
HISTORY OF NORWAY
483
Horace C. Oxnard m 1860 Nancy Lunt, d May 5, 1874. Re¬
ining from business he came to Norway and purchased the Syl-
vanus Cobh .Tr „ „.i _ f y
1887 m Elon L. Brown.
Packard
James Packard,^ Bridgewater, Mass., 1758 m 1778 Jemima, dau
of Ephraim Churchill, b 1761. He was descended from Samuel, who
with , wife and child came from Windham, England in the ship “Dili¬
gent” of Ipswich, John Martin master, and settled in Hingham,
Mass, in 1638. The family later removed to Bridgewater, where'
he d abt 1684. He was a prominent man in town and church affairs.
Prob his wife’s name was Elizabeth— that being the oldest child’s
name — 12 ch.
Zacheus 2 m Sarah Howard. Their son, Dea. James 3, b 1691 m
1722 Jemima Keith. James 4, b 1724 m Mary Thayer. Of their 8
ch was James 5. He was a Rev. Sol., came to Norway abt 1800, lived
a period in Greenwood, but returned to Norway and d here Feb 21,
1848 aged 89. Among his ch was Asa, b 1794 who m 1824 Eleanor
Bradbury. He 'set’d in Greenwood. Amos, b May 9, 1828 was the
5th of nine ch. He m Lydia S., dau of Benj. and Maria (Garland)
Herrick, b Nov 8, 1832. He lived at West Paris, Norway, Lewiston
and Lynn and finally set’d in Baltimore, Md. and d there. He had
4 ch: 1, Benj. F b Norway June 10, 1856. 2, Hon. Morrill N., b W
Pans May 28, 1858. Set’d in Baltimore, Md. Judge of Police Court,
lawyer of prominence, stump speaker, etc. 2. w Mrs. Laura V. Terrier
of Baltimore. He had a dau by 1. w. Mrs. P. by 1. hus had three
promising boys. William, an employee of the B. & 0. R. R. Co. in
that city , Elmer, a clerk and Stuart M., a civil engineer, who went
into the aviation service and had command of an airship which fell
into the sea off the Virginia coast and the crew of three was drowned.
He was a splendid young man, whose death is “greatly lamented by
all who knew him.” 3, Roscoe M., b W. P. Oct 24, 1860. 4, Emily b
Apr 4, 1865. J
Paragard
Cheri Paragard (French Pargade) from No. Yarmouth, enlisted
in Co. E 1 / th Me. in the War of the Rebellion. He was then 23 yrs
old and unm. He was in the battle of Gettysburg and fought at the
famous stone wall on the edge of the wheat field, during the 2d day’s
conflict. He was in many other battles in which his company and
regiment participated and was promoted to sergt before he was mus-
484
HISTORY OF NORWAY
tered out, June 4, 1865, near Washington, D. C. After the war Mr.
Paragard settled in Norway, obtained a deserving pension from the
U. S. and lived in a fine home on Paris St., which after his death
became the Catholic parsonage. Mr. Paragard’s w was Ellen F.
Grant— ch: Herman C.; Florence M.; Franie H.; Milbury and
Myron P.
Parsons
The Parsons race in N. E. is descended from Jeffrey, b Ashping-
ton, England in 1631, who came to Mass, by way of Barbadoes in
1665. He m Sarah Vinson, whom he first saw at Vinson’s Spring,
Cape Ann, where he stopped to slake his thirst one sultry summer
day.
“A form more fair, a face more sweet.
Ne’er had it been his lot to meet.”
Perhaps she looked upon him as a knight errant, but, however
that may be, they married and we may well suppose “lived happy
ever after ” They have left a numerous posterity among whom are
many persons of note. His son John 2, b 1666 m 1693 Isabella
Haynes. He d in 1714 leaving 9 ch. Their oldest son, John . 3, m
Elizabeth Haskell in 1716 and had 11 ch. Of these, was William
4, b abt 1732 who m Sarah Rust, a sister of Capt Henry, the proprie¬
tor of Rustfield. 7 of their ch lived in Norway.
I Dea. William, a Rev Sol, b Aug 16, 1759 m Abigail Millett
He d Jan 8, 1845. She d July 20, 1844 aged 83—12 ch: Abigail, b
N. G. Apr 23, 1785, d in infancy; Gen. William, b July 21, 178b;
Nathaniel, b Nov 16, 1787; Abigail, b Jan 3, 1789; Mary W., b July
6 1790 d young; Henry Rust, b Sept 11, 1791 m Betsey Goss seta
in Paris; Mary W., b May 5, 1793 m Dr. Jonathan Millett; Sarah
Rust, b Oct 9, 1794 m Dr. Jonathan Millett; Joshua, b July 25, 1796
m Sybil Bridgham— set’d at W. Minot; Solomon, b Nov 18, 1798 m
Clara S. Johnson, d in Bangor; George Lessley, b Oct 3, 1801 and
Daniel Reed, b Dec 1, 1803.
Gen. William Parsons m 1821 his cousin Dorothy S. Parsons, b
Feb 11 1799. He obtained his military title in the old militia after
the War of 1812-15. He served on the board of selectmen and several
terms in the legislature. He d July 29, 1852 His w d Jan 19, 1888
Several of their 10 ch d young — 1, Martha Abbott, b Sept 7, 1822 d
unm in Geneseo, Ill. 3, Sarah Adelphia, b Aug 25, 1826 m Benson
Hawkins-no ch. 5, Octavia J., b Apr 10, 1831 d unm in Geneseo,
Mar 3, 1908. 9, Joel S., b June 7, 1840 grad Bates Coll. 69 m Laura
Folsom of Newbury, Mass. 10, Daniel T., b Apr 17, 1843 d unm in
Geneseo.
II John Parsons, bro of Wm. sen, b Mar 11, 1763 was one of the
1. settlers in Norway— m 1. Esther Smith, 2. Steve0n.S ’ t;
Eunice Witham. Esther (Smith) Parsons d Feb 20 1789 at 24. It
was on her birthday. She had given birth to a female ch who d soon
after birth — the mother surviving her ch but a few days. These
were the first deaths in what is now the town of Norway. John Par¬
sons m 2. 1790 Dorothy Stevens of New Gloucester. She d heb 11,
1809 and he m 3. Eunice Witham. He d Dec 6, 1847 aged nearly 85.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
485
His 3. w d Oct 2, 1848 aged 80. Of their 14 ch, the last 4 were by
3. w. 1, Female ch b Feb 1789 d shortly after birth. 2, Esther, b
Dec 26, 1791 m John Witt. 3, Abigail, b Apr 13, 1793 m Col. John
Millett. 4, John, b Apr 21, 1795 m Apphia Robinson — set’d in Paris
and Lincoln. 5, Jacob, b Feb 22, 1797 m Lucy Eveleth. 6, Dorothy
Stevens, b Feb 11, 1799 m Gen. Wm. Parsons. 7, Joel S., b Feb 5,
1801 set’d in Ohio, d May 8, 1840. 8, Betsey, b Dec 3, 1803 m Joel
Millett. 9, Olive, b Dec 11, 1804 d June 6, 1806. 10, Isaac, b Apr 2,
1807 m Harriet Park, set’d in Cal. 11, Charles, b Feb 9, 1811 m Mary
Stiles. 12, Moses, h Mar 29, 1812 m Sarah Brooks. 13, Eunice, b
Sept 19, 1814 m 1, Joseph Richardson, 2. John Hunt of Albany, d
May 31, 1875. 14, Geo. W ., b May 16, 1816 m Sybil Brackett — d in
Bethel Nov 5, 1867.
Charles Parsons, son of John m 1840 Mary Stiles, b Oct 27, 1812.
They passed their last days on the old homestead. He d Dec 21, 1893.
They had 4 ch— 3 d young. 3, M. Elizabeth, b Nov 10, 1847 m James
H. Hodgdon. She d after 1920.
Moses Parsons, son of John the pioneer, by 3. w Eunice Witham,
b Mar 29, 1812, m Nov 1835 Sally Brooks of Paris b May 13, 1812.
He d Jan 18, 1892. She d Nov 17, 1893. He was a farmer and car¬
penter, and noted for great physical strength and was much in de¬
mand at the old time barn raisings. Served on the board of select¬
men — 3 ch: Sarah H., b July 29, 1836 d June 13, 1851. Apphia Rob¬
inson, b Dec 18, 1840 m 1, 1866 Wm. H. Stiles, 2. 1880 Ohas. A. Smith.
She d May 27, 1882 — 5 ch — 4 by 1. hus and 1 by 2. who d in infancy.
Sarah Parsons, b Aug 3, 1868 m Granville Whitehead of Paris.
She d May 27, 1893 — 1 ch: Alton Eugene, b Aug 30, 1890. He was
an officer in the Great World War, enlisting in a Canadian regiment.
Adelia Etta, b Jan 8, 1874. Wm. Curtis, b May 25, 1875 — set’d in
Portland, an insurance agt. Capt. Moses Parsons, b Oct 13, 1871 m
Myrtie A. Jordan. Received his higher education at Norway High
School. Bound out on a farm at the age of ten. Taught three terms
of school. Served five yrs learning the tin-smith’s trade. Appointed
P. M. in Norway village Apr 1898 and held the office eight yrs. Four
times Captain of Co. D .better known as Norway Light Infantry —
twice by election and twice by appointment, being first elected when
only 22 yrs of age. Commanded Norway Co. while in service on
Mexican border in 1916, and placed upon the retired list, upon return
to the state, at his own request, finding it impossible to give attention
to the Co and keep his residence at Portland, Maine. Moved to Port¬
land Oct 1915. Engaged in insurance business since 1906.
For years the best military rifle shot in Maine, coach of Maine
State Rifle Team, twelve yrs, having won many medals and trophies,
the first prize at the N. E. Military Rifle Association at Wakefield,
Mass., one year. The first prize at the national match at Camp
Perry, O., for slow fire at 200, 600, 800 and 1000 yards one year;
and in 1912 won a place on the international team that competed in
the Olympic matches at Sweden, that year, but was forced to resign
his place for business reasons and did not attend the matches. Al¬
ways an ardent temperance man and takes great pride in not know-
486
HISTORY OF NORWAY
ing the taste of liquor or tobacco in any form — 1 ch: Richard Jordan,
b July 2, 1896 m Lestina dau of John Robinson of Oxford; res Oxford.
Lydia Ann, dau of Moses, b Jan 24, 1850 m 1872 Isaac F. Titcomb.
They lived and d on the old homestead of her father. — 3 ch: 1, Addie
E. , b July 8, 1875 m Forest D. Thurston — ch, Harold Wm., b Aug 23,
1904; a son, b Apr 11,1908; Dorothy, b Apr 8, 1914. 2, Emma Par¬
sons, b Dec 13, 1878 m Chester Flint— ch, a son, b Nov 3, 1902, Laur¬
ence Chester, b Aug 9, 1908 d in infancy; a son, b Aug 12, 1911, and
a dau, b Mar 19, 1914. 3, Louisa Frances, b June 14, 1883 d young.
Jacob, son of William Parsons, sen, b May 12, 1775 m Hannah
Hammond b New Gloucester May 2, 1774. They came to N. abt 1806
and settled near Pike’s Hill. He d in Sept. 1834. She d May 2, 1856.
Their oldest ch Jacob Jr., b Mar 19, 1807 m 1, 1835 Nancy Goss, b the
same yr. She d July 23, 1847— m 2. Mercy J. Frost. She d Aug 22,
1869. He d Apr 22, 1891 — 5 ch: 1, Francis S., b Aug 30, 1836 m
1861 Julia M. Dickery — set’d in So. Boston. 2, Eliza A., b Mar 20,
1838. 3, Emily J., b June 2, 1841 m 1879 Hazen W. Spring. 4,
Marcina M., b Sept 19, 1843 m 1872 Reuben T. Jordan— set’d in Ros-
liindale, Mass. 5, John W., b Mar 26, 1849 m 1880 Lizzie J. Hobbs.
She d Apr 10, 1894. He d in 1923— no ch.
Partridge
Samuel Partridge, a cooper by trade, b Poland Oct 25, 1809 m
Eliza Rounds, b Aug 21, 1809. They came to Norway in 1831 and
set’d at Frost’s Corner. His w d May 30, 1876 and he 'm 2. Dorcas
_ . He d Jan 2, 1898, wid d June 14, 1898—9 ch: 1, Charles
W., b Dec 8, 1833 m Cynthia Hale. He d Apr 27, 1908— ch, Charles
F. , b Sept 25, 1858 m Josephine M. Chamberlain — d Aug 21, 1915. 3,
Aury R., b June 25, 1836, d Dec 11, 1893. 4, James L., b Dec 28, 1837
m Maria Partridge. He was long in trade at Frost’s Corner and
served on the board of selectmen. He d Apr 17, 1915 1 ch, Jessie,
m Dr. E. J. Noyes, set’d in Lovell. 5, Sarah S., b Oct 8, 1839 d Sept
21, 1908. 8, Nellie M., b Jan 22, 1846 d Aug 15, 1917. 9, Winfield
Scott, b Aug 15, 1847 m Frances R. Barrows, b Mar 29, 1851. He d
Dec 19, 1912— ch: Grace Winifred, b June 21, 1870 m Frank E. Pottle
d Apr 21, 1917. Maude Evangeline, b Aug 31, 1873 m Ernest C.
Murch; Victor Lloyd, b Mar 8, 1881, m Ella A. Edgcomb; Evelyn B.,
b Dec 2, 1883 m Walter F. King — set’d in R. I. 5, Donald Barrows, b
June 7, 1891 m Geneva W. Sturtevant. He is a graduate of Bates
and is serving his 2d term as Clerk of Courts 2 ch: Donald B. Jr,
b Canton, Jan 17, 1917, and Charles Sturtevant, b Portland hospital
Jan 16, 1923.
Penley
Joseph Penley was b in Gloucestershire, England, July 13, 1/57.
He was a soldier impressed into the British Army during the Revolu¬
tion and after the war settled in North Yarmouth and m Esther
Fogg, b in 1780. Later he removed to Danville. His w d — m 2.
1796 or 7 Thankful Moody — 10 ch by 1. w and 6 by 2. John, the
oldest son and 2d ch b New Gloucester, May 11, 1782 m Desire Ding-
ley, b Cape Eizabeth, Feb 3, 1783 and set’d in Danville. Three of
their sons and one daughter married into the family of Ephraim
HISTORY OF NORWAY
487
JOSEPH PENLEY
Crockett of Norway. They were John Jr., b Oct 12, 1811 m Betsey
W. Crockett; Charles, b Apr 28, 1813 m Sarah W. Crockett; Sarah
D., b Jan 6, 1819 m Ephraim S. Crockett, and Isaiah Vickery, b Apr
9, 1827 m Mary A. Crockett.
Joseph Jr., b Aug 22, 1792 m Lovina Monk and settled in Paris.
Their son Joseph G. with his family was in Norway when the census
of 1850 was taken. He was b Nov 5, 1821 and m Sarah Perry. She
d Feb 1, 1862 and he m 2. Emeline Davis of Woodstock b Mar 15,
1824. He d Feb 15, 1881 — 5 ch by 1. w: 1, Isadore Jane, b Dec 29,
1848 d July 7, 1854; 2, Frank Morse, b Dec 30, 1850 m Addie Deer-
ing— 2 ch: Sarah Isadore, b June 5, 1872 and Della Mabel, b June
1, 1877. 3, John Perry, b Feb 10, 1853 m Nellie O. Bumpus — res
Norway. 4, Charles Fremont, b Dec 3, 1854 m Lizzie M. Drew of
Stoneham— ch: Ernest L., b Feb 18, 1880. 5, Gilman Henry, b Sept
29, 1858.
John Jr., m Betsy Wentworth Crockett, b Feb 7, 1820. He d
shortly before the census was taken in 1850. Some years afterwards
she m Albion P. Chapman of Bethel — d Jan 26, 1876 — 3 ch: Mary D.,
b 1843 m William Churchill; Charles Sewell, b 1844 m 1. Hannah
Frost, 2. Mary A. Judkins. He d Mar 25, 1920— no ch. 3, Rufus,
m and lives in Lisbon.
Charles, son of Joseph, Sen, m Sarah Wentworth Crockett b
1813. They had a family of seven ch in Norway in 1850. After¬
wards removed to Portland and d there. Esther W., b 1835;
Ephraim Crockett, b 1837, a Civ. War Sol; Francina J ’., b 1839;
Nathan M., b 1842; Rufus C., b 1845 d Dec 28, 1862 in Civil War;
Adriana, b 1848; and Sarah A., b 1849.
Isaiah Vickery, m 1851 Mary A. Crockett. Late in life removed
into And. Co. — 6 ch: 1, Laura A., b Apr 7, 1852 m Albert P. Farn-
' ham, d Mar 22, 1869. 2, Sewell Thomas, b Jan 14, 1854 d Apr 14,
1864. 3, Sarah Belle, b May 13, 1857 m 1872 Albert P. Farnham.
4, Channing Roberts, b Mar 31, 1860 d Apr 1, 1864. 5, True Davis,
b Mar 27, 1862 m and set’d in And Co. 6, Hattie Jane, b Sept 18,
1865 m Fred Bolster — div and remarried and lives in Mass.
488
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Perry
Zebedee Perry, a Rev. Sot b Middleboro, Mass., Mar 25, 1756 m
1786 Judith Tudor, b Cape Ann, ’Dec 5, 1758. He was here to be
taxed in 1794. His farm was on |te old county road, now owned
by bis great-grandson Wm. O. Perry. He d abt 1815. His wid
surv him 24 yrs, dying Sept 16, 1839 “aged 81.” Their oldest ch,
John, b Paris, Dec 31, 1786 m Amelia, dau of Wm. Bartlett, b 1785
and set’d on the old homestead. He d Feb 23, 1869. She d Feb 13,
1874 — 4 ch, of whom 3 d young. 2, Dea. Osgood, b Sept 6, 1825 m
Anna M. Frost, dau of Edmund, Sen, b Apr 5, 1828. He d Jan 4,
1909. She d Feb 28, 1904—4 ch: Wm. Osgood, b Mar 3, 1851 m Mary
L. Burnham; Horace Sidney, b May 29, 1855 m Lulu Smith; Amelia
A., b Oct 22, 1860 m Solomon H. Millett; and John Leland, b Nov 13,
1869 d Oct 23, 1879.
William O. Perry, son of Dea. Osgood m 1876 Mary L. Burnham,
b Harrison, Dec 11, 1852 — ch: Fred H., b Oct 22, 1878 m Ella La-
farrier. He is a farmer and mail carrier on route 2 — 3 ch: Elva
May, b May 24, 1901, Coll grad, teacher in high sch; Carl Osgood, b
Aug 21, 1902 and Mabel A., b Jan 13, 1904.
Pierce
William Pierce came here from New Gloucester abt 1811 and
set’d on a partly cleared lot in the n. w. part of the town. He was b
in N. G. Sept 27, 1781, — m Betsey Wells b N. G. 1790, and d June 3,
1826 by a tree falling upon him while clearing land. His wife sur¬
vived him 49 years, dying Aug 20, 1875. She was a woman of great
energy and ability and managed the affairs of the household and
farm, till the 2d son and his wife assumed control. 6 ch — 1, Rev.
Simeon W., b Jan 24, 1813 m and had a family. He d Apr 9, 1877
aged 64. His wife d Dec 14, 1883 aged 69. 7 ch. — Eliza, John N.,
Abbie, Arria V., Lydia A., Olin J. and Olin F.— all d young. 2, Wm
Callum, b Feb 15, 1815 m Aurelia Upton; 3, Martha, b Mar 6, 1817
m 1. Sam’l Rowe, 2. James H. Jordan — d Sept 1880; 4, Arria, b June
6, 1821 m Bradbury C. A. Pingree; 5, John W., b May 1, 1823 d Sept
21, 1842; 6, Betsey, b Jan 24, 1827 m Moses O. French.
William C. Pierce m Aurelia Upton. He lived and died on the
old homestead. He d Sept 9, 1878. His wife d Aug 11, 1885. 10 ch
nearly all of whom died young. 6, William S., b July 23, 1852 m 1881
Lucy Etta Brown. 2 ch, Earl B., b Oct 8, 1884 d Apr 15f 1885, and
Leona M., b Nov 5, 1888 d Jan 27, 1907. Edith May (adopted) m
Verne A. Rich. 8, Abbie L., b Dec 2, 1857; 9, Wesley M., b June 28,
1859; 10, Rose N., b Oct 23, 1861 m Arthur F. French d Sept 13,
1885. He d Oct 11, 1889.
Pike
John Pike, who came from England to Newbury, Mass, with his
two sons John Jr and Robert in 1635 is probably the first of the name
to come to this country.
Rev. John Pike was a noted preacher at Dover, N. H. abt 1700.
He kept a journal which is preserved in the Mass. Hist. So. He is
supposed to be of the same race as the Pikes who came to Norway.
HISTORY
OF NORWAY
489
SETH PIKE
NATHANIEL PIKE
STELLA M. PIKE
THE OLD NATHANIEL PIKE HOMESTEAD
490
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Jacob Pike of Middleton in the same county as Dover b June 1,
1737 m Joanna Marshall b in the Bermudas Dec 21, 1734. He d May
7, 1805 and she d Dec 21, 1819. Two of their 9 ch. were among the
early settlers in Norway. 2, Dudley, b Exeter, N. H. Sept 2, 1760 m
Celia Weston b Kingston, Mass. Apr 25, 1760. He d July 30, 1838.
She d Apr 30, 1839. 13 ch — 1, John, b Oxford Mar 10, 1784 m Mercy
Jordan; 2, William, b Paris Dec 1, 1785 m Nancy Thurston set’d in
Oxford; 3, Joanna, b P. Sept 25, 1787 d Aug 13, 1869; 4, Judith, b
July 26, 1789 m Joshua Crockett Jr; 5, Seth, b July 10, 1791 d at
Burlington, Vt. 1814 in War of 1812-15; 6, Mercy, b Apr 12, 1793 m
Timothy Jordan; 7, Nathaniel, b Apr 27, 1795 m Lucy Bearce — no ch
— d May 23, 1877. Wife d Dec 29, 1864; 8, Henry, b Feb 7, 1797 m
Abigail Pottle; 9, Celia, b Feb 3, 1800 d young; 10, Celia, b Dec 6,
1801 d young; 11, Sally Randall, b Mar 13, 1804 m Levi Millett; 12,
Caroline, b Oct 28, 1806 d June 6, 1848; 13, Joanna, b 1808.
John, son of Dudley m Mary, dau of Timothy Jordan. They
lived in the vicinity of Frost Hill. He d Oct 14, 1864. She d May 2,
1880. 10 ch — 1, Hiram, b Oct 18, 1809 m Sarah Ladd; 2, Celia Ann,
b Dec 3, 1811; 3, Seth, b Dec 5, 1814 m Polly W. Brackett; 4, Joanna,
b Feb 14, 1817 m Nath’l Andrews; 5, Esther Jordan, b Mar 10, 1819
m Silas E. Hall; 6, John Jordan, b Apr 19, 1821 m Sarah A. Slade;
7, Granville Porter, b June 29, 1823 d Sept 23, 1825; 8, Martha
Phinney, b Sept 15, 1825; 9, Noah, b Apr 26, 1828 m Sophia Weston —
set’d in Harrison; 10, Nancy Weston, b Oct 21, 1830 m Levi Frost.
Seth, son of John and gr son of Dudley m 1844 Polly W. Brackett,
b Harrison Aug 15, 1820. He lived during the latter part of his life
on the old Pike homestead of his gr father. An estimable and re¬
spected citizen. 6 ch — 1, Rose Ann, b Feb 4, 1846 m E. Bernard
Vining; 2, Granville P., b Apr 16, 1848 d May 30, 1849; 3, Elbridge
B., b June 12, 1851; 4, Nancy W., b June 7, 1854; 5, Estella M., b
Mar 10, 1860, a teacher and many years clerk in the N. Nat. Bk. ;
6, Helen C., b Oct 10, 1863.
John Pike, son of Jacob, b in Middleton, N. H. came to Norway
in June 1793. He built the old house on the top of the hill south of
the village, named for him and his bro. He had a stentorian voice,
and took the lead in moving buildings — (erected before the roads
were laid out and many had to be afterwards moved near the roads),
erecting stone walls and fences, digging and stoning cellars, and haul-
big logs to be sawed into plank and boards. He mortgaged his farm
later, and being unable to pay, it was foreclosed and passed out of his
hands. It is sad to know that one who had worked so hard in clear¬
ing up land and fitting it for cultivation and so useful to the early
settlers should have lost his pioneer home in his old age. He d in
Oxford on the farm on the west side of the river, below the covered
bridge Oct 27, 1844, aged 78. He was twice married. 1. to Mary
Tarbox, b N. G. May 2, 1766. She d Jan 19, 1813— m 2. Sarah Perry,
of Otisfield, b Oct 29, 1776— d Aug 1861. 15 ch,— 2 last by 2. wife.
1, Mary, b June 15, 1786 m Benj. Tucker; 2, Samuel, b Dec 11, 1788
m Susan Wood,— set’d in Oxford; 3, Dolly, b July 3, 1780, d in in¬
fancy; 4, Robert, b July 28, 1791 m Susan Bickford, — set’d in Oxford,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
491
d Jan 20, 1868; 5, Martha, b June 12, 1793 m Janies Crockett — d
Aug 3, 1850; 6, Jacob, b Mar 30, 1795 m Lorana Cummings, — d Mar
15, 1847; 7, Charles, b Mar 24, 1797 m Mary Wood— set’d in Wis;
8, Hugh, b Jan 18, 1799 d in infancy; 9, Israel, b June 20, 1801 m
Rosilla Cleveland, — set’d in New Goucester, — d Jan 6, 1859; 10,
Clarissa, b Apr 22, 1803 d in infancy; 11, Luther Farrar, b Nov 22,
1804 m Adeline A. Millett; 12, Elmira, b May 5, 1807 m Wm Hall _ d
Nov 12, 1838; 13, Joanna, b Dec 30, 1810 d in infancy; 14, Clarissa, b
Feb 7, 1814 m Sam’l T. Beal— res. McFalls; 15, Calvin Farrar, b
Sept 23, 1816 m Sophronia Pierce — d Dec 3, 1851.
Samuel, son of John m Susan Wood. They lived in Oxford but
were in Norway when the census of 1850 was taken. He d Dec 20,
1871. Wife d Sept 1856. ch — 1, Prescott L., b 1816 m 1. Emily A.’
Hill — no ch— 2. Elizabeth A. Morse. They lived in Oxford and had
Emily, m Joseph Smith; Harriet, m Morrill M. Fuller; Albert E., b
1847; Herbert, Alden, Elihu, Lillian, Sherman, and Helen who’m
Charles B. Keith. He d Mar 22, 1891. Wife d May 2, 1880; 2,
Harriet N., b Aug 22, 1817 m Tristram Richards; 3, Miranda B., b
Sept 10, 1819 m 1. John Rowe of Oxford, 2. Joseph Farr; 4, Daniel
W., b Nov 5, 1823 m 1850 Sarah A. Ordway. They had 4 ch who
were living in Buxton in 1890. He was a Sol in the War of the Reb.,
taken, prisoner at Baton Rouge, La. and d in Jackson, Miss.; 5,
Mathiah, b Sept 5, 1825 m Philip Dunham and set’d in the West; 6,
Charles, b May 7, 1827 m Esther H. Crockett; 7, John, b Nov 29,’
1829 m Mary McAllister, — set’d at Cape Elizabeth; 8, Arvilla, b Oct
4, 1830 d in infancy; 9, Susan, b Mar 1, 1833 m 1853 Thos. H. Kelley
a tailor, — fatally injured by railroad train. 2 ch — Fred, b abt 1853
and Ella d young.
Charles, son of Samuel m Esther H. Crockett dau of Samuel of
Oxford. He was a Sol in the Civil War and a contractor and builder
by trade. He d Apr 29, 1893. She d Dec 1898. 3 ch— 1, Horace, b
Jan 23, 1849 m 1876 Mary A. Crooker, dau of Job, b Jan 14, 1856. He
d Dec 11, 1911, 4 ch — Agnes A., b Apr 30, 1871 m Walter Purington
of Paris; Frank L., b Sept 6, 1879 m 1912 Anna L. Hayes of Auburn;
Irving L., b July 5, 1883 m 1912 Nettie Winn of Portland and Izah
M., b Dec 7, 1888 m 1912 Howard T. Fogg of Lewiston. 2, Mark, b
Dec 18, 1852 unm 1923; 3, Dennis, b Sept 28, 1856 m 1888 Nina I.
Bradbury. He was educated at N. high sch., entered com. sale house
in 1874. Returned to Norway and engaged in the soap business for
some 27 years — ins. agt. and in real estate business since 1867. He
had a wonderful career in real estate. Treasurer of the Norway
Water Works Co. since 1915. Has played in the Norway Band since
he was 16 years old. He began drumming when about 4 years old.
He has been aptly called “The drummer boy of Norway.” 4 ch _
Charles H., b June 23, 1889 m 1912 Grace A. Prince of McFalls, _
grad of N. high sch. Engaged in the ins and real estate business
with his father; tax coll, and First Lieut in Nat’l G’d. He d Oct 7,
1918. 4 ch — (1) Chas. Courtney, b Nov 28, 1913, (2) Leslie Vernon,
b May 7, 1915, (3) Rosalie Wilna, b Nov 18, 1916 and (4) Esther
Crockett, b May 7, 1918. Hugh Pearl, son of Dennis, b Apr 6, 1891
m 1916 Edna L. Cox. — 1 ch, Dennis Wayne, b Jan 26, 1917. Azola,
dau of Dennis, b Sept 16, 1893 m Ashley F. Edwards of Paris and
492
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Esther Persis, dau of Dennis, b Feb 18, 1898. Henry, son of Dudley,
b Feb 7, 1797 m 1823 Abigail Pottle b Dec 18, 1799. She d Sept 22,
1842 and he m 2. 1843 Sarah Forbes of Paris b Sept 11, 1811 — d in
1881. 6 ch by 1. and 2 by 2d w. Augustus H., b Sept 19, 1824 m
1849 Mary Southworth of Stoughton, Mass. — d July 4, 1863, Stephen
P., b Aug 29, 1827 d young, Ellen M., b Mar 13, 1830 d in infancy,
Darius, b Apr 17, 1836 d in infancy, Darius F., b June 26, 1838 m
1864 Rose Decoster, set’d at W. Minot, Sarah E., b Aug 19, 1841 m
Willis T. Work of Oxford, Abbie P., b Dec 26, 1847 m 1868 Albert
Hefferman of Brighton, Vt and Carrie L. A., b Aug 24, 1853 m 1881
John A. Roberts of Andover. He was prominent in the Patrons of
Husbandry, served in both branches of the legislature and was Com.
of Agriculture when he died a few years ago. She has recently d.
ch — Thaddeus, m and settled in Augusta.
Luther Farrar, son of John the pioneer b Nov 22, 1804 m 1834
Adeline A. dau of Nathaniel Millett b Feb 26, 1807. He was b on the
old Pike homestead on Pike’s Hill. Lived for a period on a farm
in the Dinsmore neighborhood, and afterwards moved to the
village. He was a very prosperous farmer and business man. His w
d May 21, 1886 and he survived her several years, dying Nov 27, 1896.
4 ch- — 1, Samuel Barnard, b June 25, 1836 m 1867 Anna B. Shattuck
of Caifornia,— d June 20, 1880; 2, Frank T., b Mar 22, 1838 m 1866
Sarah M. Whitehouse. He d Oct 23, 1918. She d Oct 24, 1916. 3 ch,
S. Bion, b Aug 17, 1867 m Ina French, Kate M., b Feb 21, 1871 m
Philip K. Bradbury and Clarence B., b July 7, 1877 m Lelia Harring¬
ton. He is a photographer and lives in N. H.; 3, Addie A., b Apr 5,
1844 m 1867 Wm. Wallace Andrews of Otisfield; 4, Albert Luther
Farrar, b Oct 8, 1848, m 1. 1872 Ellen R. Andrews. She d in 1889 and
he m 2. Minnie O. Bennett. 2 ch by 1 w.— Luther Fred, b Sept 9, 1877
m 1908 Florence M. Cross. He is in the ready-made clothing business
in Norway and South Paris. 3 ch, Miriam R., b Aug 16, 1909, John
F., b May 27, 1911 and Robert G., b Nov 9, 1913; Maud Ellen, b
May 15, 1889. She is a successful teacher in State Institute in North
Carolina.
PlNGREE
The Pingrees of Norway and adjoining towns are descended from
Moses (1) who came from London in 1642 and set’d at Ipswich, Mass.
He m Abigail Clement; was a dea of the church, selectman and rep.
in the General Court at Boston. He d Jan 2, 1669 aged 86. His w
d Jan 16, 1676. Their son, Aaron (2) b 1652 m Anna Pickard of
Rowley, where they set’d. He d in 1697. She d Feb 20, 1716. Their
son Job (3), b Oct 17, 1688 m 1717 Elizabeth Brockelbank. She d
Feb 12, 1747. He was three times married and d Apr 25, 1785 aged
96 yrs6 mos. Samuel Eliot, 4 by 1. w. b Jan 12, 1719 m Elizabeth
Carlton. They set’d in Methuen, where he d in 1754. Stephen (5),
b Aug 7, 1752 m 1773 Ruth Hoyt. They moved to New Salem, N. H.,
to Derryfield in 1785 and to Norway in 1807— having been here 5 yrs
before and selected his lot for a farm. He was a Rev Sol and was
granted a pension. He was an intelligent, industrious and valuable
citizen. He d Apr 30, 1840 aged 87. His w had d Oct 21, 1836 aged
87. 7 ch — 1, Dolly Baker, b Aug 20, 1774 m Elijah Flint; 2, Sam’l,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
493
b Oct 3, 1778 m Esther (Perham) Dickey. He d in N. Feb 15, 1837;
3, Stephen J ., b Sept 19, 1780 m Jane Bancroft, — set’d in Albany and
d there Mar 20, 1874; 4, Abner, b May 20, 1782 m Dorcas Stearns of
N. H. — set’d in Montpelier, Vt. and d there in 1840; 5, Hezekiah, b
Dec 7, 1783 m Polly Turner,— d in Riley PI Oct 20, 1850; 6, John, b
Mar 14, 1786, set’d in New York; 7, Hoyt, b May 14, 1789 m Sarah
Turner of Durham; 8, William, b Jan 16, 1792 m Eleanor Stevens.
Hoyt Pingree, one of the most original characters who ever
swayed the voters in a town meeting, was b in Derryfield, N. H.
May 14, 1789. He m abt 1810 Sarah Turner b Durham 1790. He d
in Waterford June 23, 1865. His w d in 1876 aged 86. They prob.
passed their last days with their son Dexter Milton in Waterford.
Hoyt Pingree was an intense partisan and a patriot, and his satis¬
faction at living to see the overthrow of the Rebellion must have been
very great. 12 ch — 5 of them d young. 1, Mary L., b Dec 22, 1811
m Enoch Holt, set’d in Albany; 2, Luther Farrar, b May 25, 1813 m
Elizabeth M. Dexter, — res Portland and Ferry Village, inventor and
prominent in military affairs; 4, Aaron Wilkins, b Aug 19, 1817 d
1885; 6, Levi Whitman, b July 4, 1822 m Adrianna B. Blake of Milan,
N. H.; 10. John Washington, set’d in Mass; 11, Dexter Milton, set’d
in Waterford and 12, Lawson M., set’d in Bethel.
William Pingree, youngest bro of Hoyt, b N. H. Jan 16, 1792 m
Eleanor dau of Joel Stevens. He was a lay preacher of the Meth.
denomination. He d July 28, 1863. His w d Mar 13, 1882 in her 92d
yr. They had 7 ch — Bradbury Colby Atwood, the 3d ch b July 12,
1818 m Arria Pierce, b June 6, 1821 — d Sept 6, 1880. He d Oct 15,
1904. ch — Sidney H., b 1845 set’d in Mass. Mr. Pingree was for
many yrs the owner of the bakery property near the high sch building
which was burned in the great fire of 1894 and on which he had
no insurance.
Pool
Joshua* Pool, prob son of Joshua who d in E Bridgwater in 1822
aged 88, was b there in 1762. He was a Rev Sol and m 1783 Lucinda,
dau of Thomas Latham of Bridgwater. Her bro Stephen was an
early settler in Norway and was a nail-maker. Joshua Pool came
here in 1797 and set’d on the Lee’s Grant, on the east side of the
great pond. Afterwards he was the 3d post rider, and removed to
Greenwood where he d Aug 23, 1844, “aged 82”. 14 ch — 1, Joshua, d
young; 2, Thomas, b 1787 m Lydia Cobb set’d in Abbot — d July 3,
1883 “aged 96;” 3, Melvin, b 1785 m Abigail Bryant of Paris b 1788
set’d in Greenwood and d there; 4, Asa m Lucy Needham; 5, William,
m Sybil Gibson; 6, Zenas, m Betsey Gibson set’d in Greenwood; 7,
Lucinda, m Frye Lovejoy; 8, Mary, m Samuel Tubbs set’d in Abbot;
9, Betsey, m Nathaniel Cobb set’d in Abbot, — rem. to Auburn; 10,
Susan, m Reuben Knight rem to Mowson; 11, Lausana, m Elias
Doughty set’d in Monson; 12, Abigail, m Humphrey Cleaves set’d in
Abbot; 13, Hannah, m Leonard B. Berry of Woodstock; 14, Sally,
who m and set’d elsewhere.
Only two families of Pools lived in Norway when the census of
1850 was taken. They were Melvin’s and his son Thomas’. Melvin
494
HISTORY OF NORWAY
had besides his wife, Frederick L., Thomas, b Feb 22, 1809 m Martha
dau of Nathaniel Millett. They had five ch. The family removed
to Brockton, Mass.
Pride
David G. Pride son of Josiah and Sophia (Fairbanks) Pride b
Nov 23, 1824 m Martha Marston of Norway. They lived and d at
East Waterford. He was a thrifty farmer and a prominent citizen in
his part of the town.
Charles A., b W. May 30, 1853 m Rosa A. Marston of Albany b
Sept 2, 1852. She d several years ago. He is a thrifty farmer living
near R. R. Station on Cottage Street.
Wilbur W. Pride of the same family, a thrifty farmer and good
citizen who lived near Norway Lake b in Waterford in 1837 m Rachel
L. Hall. He d Oct 4, 1915. She d Sept 30, 1919 aged 81. ch— 1,
Walter H., b Nov 28, 1866 m Elvira Perkins and has Madeline I. b
Mar 8, 1898 m Dec 1919 Lloyd Davis of Paris; 2, Mark, b Oct 18,
1868 m 1893 Georgia M. Brett of Otisfield. He d Mar 31, 1908, “aged
39 yrs. 5 mos.” Wid res. in Mass.
Reed
William Reed, the first of the name to settle in Norway was
descended from John 1 who b England 1598, came to New England
about 1630 and set’d at Seekonk, R. I. He d in 1685 and was bur.
at East Providence. His son William, 2 m 1653 Ruth Cook. Of
their ch was Isaac, 3 who lived in Salem, Mass. He d abt 1712 (date
of will) and left his estate to his son Isaac, 4 who m 1736 Rebecca
ELIZABETH (COBB) REED
Burton of Salem. Their son Daniel, 5 m Lydia Cook and
set’d in Danvers, Mass. They had 6 daus and 4 sons. William, 6 b
Nov 3, 1775 came here in 1792 as clerk in the store of Henry Rust,
the proprietor of Rustfield. He set’d here permanently in 1797. He
m abt 1800 Elizabeth, dau of Jedediah Cobb of Gray. She was a
sister of Maj Jonathan Cummings’ wife. He d Nov 28, 1848 “aged
73.” His wid. d Feb 7, 1866 “aged 84 yrs. 7 mou. 20 ds.’’ 10 ch —
1, Abigail, b Jan 11, 1801 m Dr. Asa Danforth; 2, William, b Jan
HISTORY OF NORWAY
495
21, 1802 d Aug 5, 1806, from a cartbody falling upon him; 3, Henry
Cook, b May 2, 1804 m Martha R. Millett. 8 ch — no descendants now
living in Norway; 4, Dorothy S., b Mar 27, 1806 m Amos Millett—
d in Portland 1885; 5, William, b May 5, 1809 d July 25, 1810; 6,
Francis A., b Feb 9, 1812 m Julia Hersey — set’d in Springfield,
Mass; 7, Granville L., b Mar 13, 1814 m Esther Coburn— d Oct 19,’
1882, no ch; 8, Edwin P., b Sept 6, 1818 — d Aug 20, 1820; 9*
Elizabeth P., b Nov 21, 1821 m Hiram W. Deering of Portland" 10
Ellen, b Mar 2, 1823 d Apr 2, 1823.
Rice
Eber Rice, b 1764 m Rebecca Gamwell. He came to Waterford
PI. from Northboro, Mass, in 1785 and was the 7th settler there. He
was a farmer, teacher, surveyor, town officer, representative to the
Gen Court of Mass, for several terms and a justice of the peace. Of
his 6 ch was Eber Jr, (oldest son) b 1792 who m Elizabeth G. Frye.
They had t ch: I, John F., m Mary Ann Irish. For many years he
was landlord of the hotel at No. Waterford and a noted stage
driver. Both d in Norway very aged. 4 ch — Clifford m Rebecca
Eaton (?). Both d many years ago— no ch.; James, set’d in Mass,
and m there. Was a conductor for many years on passenger train
from Boston to Bar Harbor, and severely injured in R. R. accident a
few years ago. Wid resides in N. Y. They had several ch — Mary
Elizabeth, b Feb 1860 m Geo Fred Stone; William E., b abt 1867 m
Lilia F. Bickford— 2 ch, Iva M., b July 1894 m Will Ray of Water¬
ford, 1 ch Stanton, b Feb. 1913. Donald W., b Feb 20, 1902 — student
in college (1922). II Sarah E., m John Henry Millett of Norway.
Richardson
John Richardson Jr., b in New Brunswick abt 1771 m Betsey
Shepard and was in Norway with a family when the census of 1800
was taken. He d in Jan 1852, “aged 80.”— 8 ch: 1, Andrew, b
1796 m Charlotte dau of Elisha Cummings the Rev. Sol. b 1803.
They set’d in that part of Greenwood known as Richardson Hollow.
He d Sept 8, 1841 “aged 45 yrs 7 mos.” She d Nov 7, 1878, “aged
75 yrs 7 mos.” 2, Betsey, b 1800 m Wm. Brown of Pownal. 3,
John, b Nov 30, 1801 m Lucy N. Brown of Pownal — 7 ch: Henry,
went to Australia; Lucy Ann, m John Judkins; George, m Ann Ben¬
nett; Sarah; Josiah, m 1. Lucinda Bennett, 2. Mary P. Jordan; Mark
S., m Cora Brown and Jennie, m Irving Frost. 4, Martha, m John
Butterfield of Sumner. 5, Mark S., b Apr 10, 1810 m Susan Grover
of Newfield, b Feb 16, 1808. — 2 ch : Elizabeth Jane, b May 22, 1840
and Simon G., b May 23, 1845 m Mary J. Walker b Mexico, Oct 1,
1853. He d Feb 28, 1922. They had 6 ch: 1, Benj. F., b Feb 28,
1872 m 1. 1894 Edith A. Pingree — div. m 2. - ; 5 ch: Lillian
M.; Benj. E., d in infancy; W. Franklin, b Jan 8, 1915; Elpha, b
Sept 20, 1907 and Edmund L., b July 3, 1920. Susie E., b Dec 27,
1873 m 1890 Henry W. Austin — d Jan 30, 1892. George J., b Oct 20,
1882. Ethel, b Feb 13, 1887 m Wilbur F. Rogers, res. Portland.
Hattie, b Feb 12, 1889, and Fanny, b May 5, 1895 m Zenas A. Merrill.
496
HISTORY OF NORWAY
6, Cyrus, b 1818 m Sarah Swift of Paris. 7, Darius, b 1819 m Pa-
melia (Lovejoy) Judkins — set’d in Greenwood. He d June 28, 1864
while serving in Co. I, 17th Me. on the quota of Norway. 8, Polly,
m a Corliss and set’d in N. H.
William Richardson, son of Andrew b Aug 23, 1823 m Hannah
P. Barrows b Mar 20, 1828. They lived and died on the old Richard¬
son homestead in Greenwood. For many years he was one of the
leading citizens of his town. He d Sept 28, 1905. Wife d Aug 27,
1905 — ch all b in Greenwood. 1, Electra A., b Aug 18, 1847 d Sept
8, 1866. 2, Infant son b Oct 9, 1849 d in infancy. 3, Charles W., b
EDWARD W. PENLEY
Dec 1850 d Sept 17, 1853. 4, Vivia, b Oct 30, 1854 m Edward W.
Penley. She d May 8, 1916. He d 1923 — 13 ch: Vivia Rose d in
infancy; Angie Electra, m Ernest H. Herrick; Hannah Rose, d
in infancy; Walter Edward, m Elizabeth B. Murphy; Lulu May, d
in infancy; Lester Howard m Della C. Ridlon; Frederick Robie, m
Ethel M. Young; Alice, m Olaf W. Dwinal; Blanche m Fred E.
Smith; J. Irving, d young; Leona Belle, m Clarence L. Ridlon;
Marion June; Bertha L., m Harold H. Dunham. 5, George William,
b Aug 8, 1856 m Hannah M., dau of Stephen Needham — 2 ch, Ber-
HISTORY OF NORWAY
497
nard M. m Maude Stanley of Waterford— res West Paris, and Clar¬
ence L., m Vivia Swift of Paris, also an adopted dau., Edna who m
Lendall Yates.— Wife d in 1886 and he m 2. Fanny M. Grace— 2 ch:
Clifford N., and George Oscar. 6, Stephen A., b Mar 5, 1859 d young
7, Mary Alice, b Nov 17, 1863 m Leon M. Tufts of Paris and have
4 ch . Belle, m Sanford Brown; Robert, m Agnes Payne; Florence, m
Harold Anderson; and Myrtle m Charles Burgess. 8, Charles Alva,
b Sept 9, 1865 m Ida, dau of Evi and Addie (Packard) Needham.
He was tax coll in Greenwood for 8 yrs prior to his coming to Nor¬
way in 1909. In 1910 he bought the meat market on the corner of
Main and Bridge Sts of James Pledge, which he has conducted to the
piesent time (1923). His residence is on Paris St., formerly owned
by the late Solomon I. Millett — 7 ch : 5 of whom are living: 1, Ralph
William, b Oct 17, 1889 m Lucy S. Emerson and has one ch, Ida
Maxine, b Mar 12, 1915. He is clerk in the store of his father; 2,
Eva Gertrude, b Dec 15, 1896 m Theodore Roswell Frost and has 3
ch— Robert Vernon, Virginia Marie and Stanley Wilford; 3, Lena
Maude, b Aug 14, 1903; 4, Helen Eudora, b July 11, 1905; 5, Lester
Edward, b Aug 5, 1907 ; Ethel May and Della Frances d very young.
9, Asaph Jackson, b Sept 27, 1869 m Jennie H. Verrill — res Wilton _
2 ch: 1, Herman A., b Aug 31, 1893 m Lilia A. Prince of McFalls.
She d in Oct 1918— ch, Phyllis, b Mar 21, 1917; William, b N. Mar 28,
1901 m Gertrude McNash of N. B.
Calvin Richardson, son of Andrew, b Aug 23, 1825 m 1850,
Calista Churchill. He was a Civ. War Sol. — d July 25, 1907; wid d
Feb 7, 1908—4 ch: 1, Herbert F., b Nov 27, 1851 m Martha McAl¬
lister. He d Nov 1, 1913. 2, Hattie, b Apr 21, 1854 m Elhanan B.
Tubbs. 3, Emma F b Aug 14, 1857 m Alanson M. Dunham Jr. 4,
Levi Frank, b Feb 26, 1868 m 1. Jennie Crosby — d Apr 18, 1901, m 2.
Eva T. Bradbury— 6 ch by 2. w: Alva L., b Feb, 1902; Leslie E., b
June 27, 1904; Lewis Francis, b Nov 15, 1905; Donald b Mar 9, 1910;
Elsie Irene, b Nov 10, 1914, and Dorothy Inez, b Aug 21, 1916.
Columbus Richardson, son of Andrew, b 1833 m 1. Helen Shack-
ley. She d; m 2. Mrs. Lizzie E. Libby. He was a Sol. in the Civ.
War. He d Dec 25, 1909. Wid d 1922— ch by 1. w, Freeman H., m
Alice Dunn and has 2 ch: Philip W., and Harold P.; by 2. w,
Arthur L.
Thomas Hanaford Richardson, son of Joshua of Portland b Dec
3, 1820 m Hannah Jordan Crockett. He d May 18, 1896 and she m a
Harris — d June 23, 1901 — 5 ch: 1, Albert D., b Dec 16, 1849 m 1871
Louise A. Lakin who had 1 ch, Annie Maude, coll grad and a talented
lady, m C. P. Barnes. She d July 17, 1916 — 2 ch: Ethel May, b Sept
2, 1883 m George N. Fogg — d June 10, 1920, and Margaret, b Dee 29,
1885 — d Feb 12, 1886. 2, George Hanford, b Aug 15, 1855 d Mar 6,
1877 from an injury (accidental or designed). 3, Thomas Putnam, b
Aug 15, 1855 m Kate S. Hobson. For many years he was one of the
trustees of the Oxford County Ag. Soc. He d in 1923 — 3 ch :
(1) Merle V., b Sept 18, 1878 m Millicent E. Boober of Auburn; they
have a son b Sept 1901; (2) Lotta S., b May 2, 1881 m Lester V.
Ashton, a druggist — ch : Vincent Hobson, b June 29, 1911, and (3)
498
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Edwin, b June 1, 1884 m 1907 Esther Nickerson — 4 ch: Catherine,
Gordon, Carlton and Elise. 4, Julia A., b July 2, 1857 m Chester W.
Horne. 5, Edwina Maude, b Nov 16, 1864 m Wm H. Allen of Coati-
cook, P. Q.
Robbins
George Robbins, with his bro. Robert were in the Parliamentary
Army under Gen. Monk, 1640-58. After the restoration of King
Charles II they came to America. George was three times married
and had 11 ch. He d in 1689. Eleazer, one of his sons, set’d in that
part of Groton which afterwards was annexed to Harvard, Mass.
He m Lydia Powers. They had about a dozen ch. One of these was
Ephraim who m Thankful Ball. She d Jan 17, 1811 and he m 2.
Polly Gleason.
Sylvanus, b Mar 6, 1786 m Patty Jackson and resided at Stark,
N. H. She d in Nov 1840. He d Apr 14, 1856. They had 8 ch:
Charles, the 5th son, b Aug 24, 1824 m Lucy Sanborn of Greenwood.
He d Feb 8, 1886, at Colorado Springs. She d at Paris, July 21, 1903.
Charles Robbins was a Sol in the Civ. War. His grandfather,
Ephraim Robbins was a Rev Sol. They had three ch: a son d in in¬
fancy. Martha Ella, b Feb 18, 1851 m T. Walter Anderson. Ida
May, b June 23, 1856 m Granville Porter of South Paris. He d in
1918 — 2 ch: 1, Susan E., b Aug 1, 1882, is a teacher in the city schs of
Portland; 2, Hiram, b Nov 15, 1883.
Nathaniel Robbins of Plymouth county, Mass., set’d in Sumner
and abt 1835 removed to Woodstock. Of several sons was Oliver,
who m in 1829, Ann Stuart Thurlow. One of Oliver’s sons, Amasa
B., b abt 1842 m Lizzie M. Rowe, b Apr 1848. He was a sol in the
10th and 29th Me Regts in the Civil War and was in all the battles
of these organizations, going through them all without a wound. His
three bros, Samuel, Richard and Rufus were also in that war, the
last serving in the navy. He d Oct 20, 1910. Wid lives with her
son, H. Arthur Robbins- — 5 ch: Helen B., m Chas. F. Canwell, 2 ch —
Dorothy, m Daniel F. Dullea and Myron m a Rich — res Auburn.
Angie B., m Chas Higgins, d several yrs ago — 2 ch, Zilpha and Ar¬
thur. Lena m Edgar E. Irish of Hartford — 2 ch, Sarah and Law¬
rence. Susie m Daniel Durgin of Brockton, Mass. H. Arthur Rob¬
bins, b Woodstock, Nov 8, 1869 m 1898 Jennie L. Moore, dau of New¬
ton C. and Hattie (Williams) Moore of Albany, b July 3, 1870. He
is one of Norway’s most prosperous farmers, member of board of
selectmen, having served in all, nearly 10 yrs — 4 ch: Clara B., b
Nov 8, 1900, Neil W., b Apr 17, 1903, d Dec 18, following, Thelma P.,
b Dec 6, 1904, and Malverda, b Nov 19, 1909.
Russell
George W. Russell a shovel handle manufacturer, b Avon, Mar
23, 1831, m Phebe E. Green of Westbrook. His father was an Eng¬
lishman and his mother a native of Vermont. He came from Oxford
abt 1870 and was in business here for many years. He d July 16,
1893. Wid d Jan 13, 1909—3 ch: 1, Ada A., b Dec 5, 1856 m 1879
Frank Libby. 2. Charles Elmer, b Aug 31, 1858 m Carrie E. Crooker;
HISTORY OF NORWAY
499
ch, Eugene O., m 1904 Donzella Goodwin; Agnes M., m 1901 Joseph
H. Jewett, Spanish War Sol., d, wid pensioned; Iva E., m 1917 Fred
W. Rowell, and Merle A., d Sept 17, 1917 “aged 21.” 3, Herbert L.,
b Feb 13, 1865, high sch teacher, set’d in Oswego, New York; d a few
years ago.
Henry Russell of another family, a farmer, m Esther Crounse.
He d May 17, 1906, aged 83; wid d Apr 30, 1913 aged abt 75— ch:
Wm. M., a mechanic m 1920, Jennie R. Bates; 2, Jessie H., a physi¬
cian; 3, James L., a contractor and builder; 4, Woodbury M., carpen¬
ter and farmer, m Lillian E. Hall and has Perley W., m 1916 Beryl
B. Knight, and Henry A., m 1916 Gladys Irene Edwards. 5, Henry
L., m 1904 Emma J. Hill of Houlton; 6, Thomas M., contractor and
builder; 7, Gilbert, a farmer m Verna M. Griffith and has Ursula G.;
8, Arthur W., a book-keeper.
Rust
Nathaniel 1 Rust, glover, with w Mary Perkins set’d in Ipswich,
Mass., where he was admitted to citizenship in 1674. Tradition states
that he came to N. E. from the Island of Guernsey in the English
Channel. Nathaniel was a prominent and leading citizen of Ipswich.
His w d Jan 16, 1720 aged 78.
John, 2 was the youngest of 6 ch. He was b July 9, 1684 and m
1705 Sarah Potter. He d Jan 22, 1717. Of their 4 ch was John, 3
the oldest, b Mar 18, 1707, who m 1730 Sarah Foster of Ipswich. He
d Nov 12, 1752 and his wid sur him many yrs. — 5 ch: 1, John, b May
22, 1732, d unm at Gloucester, Mass. 2, Sarah, b Sept 25, 1735 m
William Parsons. They were the parents of William and John Par¬
sons the early N. settlers. 3, Capt. Henry, b Aug 23, 1737 m Lydia
Jones. 4, Abigail, b Nov 6, 1742 m Benj. Witt of Lynn, the early N.
settler and first blacksmith. 5, Daniel, b June 24, 1747 accidentally
killed.
Capt. Henry Rust, who m 1759 Lydia Jones, b May 12, 1740 set’d
in Salem, Mass, and followed a sea faring life in the merchant marine
service for many years. He purchased in 1784 the tract of land or¬
ganized as the plantation of Rustfield, now the S. E. part of Norway.
His w d soon after 1800 and he m 1801 2. Abigail Benson but had no
ch by her. He d Sept 28, 1812. He and his 1. w had 16 ch: 8 or 9
of them d in infancy or quite young. Three of the oldest ch set’d in
Norway. They had all been sea captains.
I Capt. Henry, b Sept 21, 1760 m 1785, Sarah dau of Nathaniel
and Hannah Archer of Salem. The mother is said to have been a
Spanish woman b Jan 15, 1764 and d Aug 4, 1846. On the incorpora¬
tion of Oxford County in 1805, Capt. Rust was chosen county treas¬
urer, a position he held to his death, Aug 25, 1820 — 5 ch: 1, Henry,
b 1787 m Mary Stowell, dau of Wm. Stowell of Paris, b Nov 9, 1791.
He was chosen county treas to succeed his father — a position he held
for many years. His w d June 18, 1846. He d June 9, 1863 — 2 ch:
Mary, b Mar 13, 1831 m Henry N. Merrill, a lawyer of Haverhill,
Mass., and Gen. Henry, b Mar 13, 1831 m 1871 Kate, dau of Gen. Geo.
Hobbs of Worcester, Mass. — 1 ch, Kate Louise, b Haverhill, Feb 5,
500
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1873. He d in Portland July 21, 1881, the result of a surgical opera¬
tion. 2, Sarah, b Feb 26, 1789 m Gen. Henry Farwell, 1. law student
admitted to practice in Oxford Co. Set’d in Buckfield, rem to Dixfield
and d there. She d in N, Mar 8, 1852 aged 63. 3, Lydia Jane, b
Jan 17, 1793 m Bezaleel Cushman. 4, Harriet, b Nov 16, 1799 m Maj.
Henry W. Millett. 5, Evelina A., b Sept 4, 1802 m Jesse W. Mighils.
II Capt. John, b Apr 4, 1762 m Nancy Mansfield. Capt. John
did not come to Norway till a few years after his father’s death in
1812. He inherited the mills at the outlet of the lake and lived in a
house connected with his brother Joseph’s in the corner of Main and
Pleasant Sts. He d l\£ay 26, 1834 aged 72 — 3 ch: 1, John, d at 30
unm.; 2, Ann Maria, d in Salem, Mass., unm; 3, Sarah, d Apr 6, 1843
aged 13; 4, Eliza M., m a Proctor and set’d in Salem.
III Capt. Joseph, b Jan 1, 1764 m 1786 Ruth Lash of Boston.
He was the first of the sons to settle in Norway. Was the first Reg’r
of Deeds in the county, a justice of the peace and prominent in public
affairs — d in 1815. His wid d Nov 24, 1842 aged 79 — 3 ch: 1, Ruth,
b 1799, d unm Nov 25, 1865. 2, Lydia, b 1802, m Jonathan B. Smith.
3, Joseph, b abt 1805 d before 1820.
Rowe
John Rowe, a Rev Sol, son of David of Gloucester, Mass., b Dec
16, 1757 m 1791 Mary Gardner. They lived for a period in the
Webber neighborhood in Oxford. He d June 28, 1845 aged “87 yrs,
6 mos.” She d Aug 20, 1831 “aged 73.” Both bur near Webber
schoolhouse. — 7 ch: Joseph, b Jan 7, 1788 m Mrs Elizabeth (Whitte-
more) Eaton. She had 3 ch b 1. hus: Eliza m 1. Archelaus Fuller of
Norway, 2. Sumner Frost; Ann m a Mclntire and Caroline m Thomas
Martin of Greenwood. By 2. hus, Samuel A., Susan, Stephen P.,
Isaac A., Abigail m Zebulon Rowe, Joseph Gardner m Deborah R.
Whitehouse, David W., Timothy, Hannah and Gideon.
Zebulon Rowe had a large family of ch among whom were Josiah
T., the barber who m Nov 1891 Alice M. Fuller. Zebulon d Feb 7,
1892 aged 78. Wid d Mar 8, 1904.
Joseph Gardner Rowe, familiarly called “Gard” Rowe, was a
thrifty farmer, residing on Fore St. in Oxford. He d Apr 9, 1906.
Wife d Aug 9, 1905. — eh 1, Fred, b Sept 19, 1847 m Ella S. Frost
dau of Timothy J. and Mary A. Frost — no ch. 2, Ai James, b May
17, 1852 m Addie M. Stanton, b 1853. He was a druggist for many
yrs in Norway. P. M. for two terms. He d Nov 27, 1901. Wid d
1913 — 1 ch, Jennie, b Jan 2, 1876 d May 26, 1889.
Ryerson
Luke Ryerson, b in New Jersey m Feb 1, 1767 Abigail Emery.
They set’d in York, but removed late in life to the western part of
Buckfield where he d in 1812. His w d abt 1791 and he m 2. Sarah
Coombs of York b Dec 14, 1766.— 12 ch by 1. w and 11 by 2.
Luke Jr., b 1772 m Keziah Cushman of Hebron, b 1774, set’d in
Paris. He d Jan, 1827; wid d Mar 26, 1857.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
501
Cushman, son of Luke Jr., b Oct 20, 1801 m 1. Lovina Dunn, 2.
Eliza A. Dunn. He lived on the old homestead in Paris, where he d
May 25, 1862. 1. w d Dec 16, 1835; wid d July 1874 — 6 ch — 4 bv 1
w and 2 by 2d.
Charles Washington, son of Cushman, b Paris Apr 7, 1830 m
Susan Marston, b June 7, 1835 — set’d in Yagger. He was the most
prominent citizen in his section of the town. He served several yrs
on the board of selectmen, was the first master of Norway Grange,
P. of H., a position he held for many yrs. He was respected and liked
for his sound judgment, integrity and companionable ways. He d
Apr 5, 1919. His w d Oct 9, 1915.— 2 ch, Lizzie J., b May 22, 1862 d
young. 2, Lizzie C., b May 20, 1866 m John P. Howe _ ch: (1)
Helen, b Sept 11, 1890 m 1916 Arthur H. Buswell. She d Oct 22,
1917. He d Oct 5, 1918 aged 29 yrs. (2) Charles Carroll, b Sept 17*
1892 d Nov 24, 1893. (3) Ora, b Dec 26, 1894. (4) Charles Ryerson,
b Oct 11, 1896 m Nov 1915 Elsie M. Morey, 3 ch— Roberta, b Oct 5,
1916; Shirley, b Dec 19, 1918 d in infancy and Marshall Alden, b Julv
28, 1920. *
Sanborn
Lieut. John 1 Sanborn, one of three brothers to come from Eng¬
land to America was born in 1620. He set’d in Hampton, N. H. abt
1640. He was a man of prominence and held many important posi¬
tions in town. Was best acquainted with ancient grants and boun¬
daries of lots. Before he was admitted to the privileges of citizen¬
ship in 1666 he was frequently in court as plff or deft. His grand¬
father, Stephen Bachelor, who brought him, his two brothers and a
cousin, Nathaniel Bacheler, to N. Eng. was a man noted for his
great capacity and good judgment. He appears to have returned to
England and d there and this is the last record of him. The ancient
Stephen Bacheler of Hampton d at Hackney, a village and parish
in Middlesex two miles from London, in 1660 in the 100th year of
his age. Daniel Webster, Caleb Cushing and Wm. Pitt Fessenden
were of his descendants and attributed much of their ability to him.
Lieut. John was twice m, 1. to Mary Tuck, 2. to Margaret (Page)
Moulton. His military title was derived from service in King Wil¬
liam’s war of 1689. His w Mary d Dec 30, 1668. He d Oct 20, 1692.
12 ch— 11 by 1. w — John, 2, the oldest b aibt 1649 m 1674 Judith Cof¬
fin, b Dec 4, 1653 d May 17, 1724. He d Sept 23, 1727. Abner, 3, b
Apr 27, 1694 m 1715 Rachel Shaw. He lived at Hampton Falls, d
Jan 18, 1780. John, 4 b Jan 9, 1723 m 1. Lucy Sanborn, 2. Mrs.
Betty Pierce. He set’d in Standish, Me. 1. w d Sept 1775; 2. w d
July 1812. He d Dec 6, 1802.— 7 ch, all by 1. w: Capt. John 5, b
Oct 15, 1757 m 1782 Abigail Jones of Standish, where they lived and
d. He served a long time in the old Continental Army. He d Oct
16, 1827. She d Oct 19, 1832. Pierce, 6 b Sept 17, 1783 m 1807
Huldah Paine b Feb 15, 1780. He was an officer in the War of 1812-
15. Set’d in Baldwin — d May 5, 1834. Albert, 7 b Standish May 21,
1808 m Dec 1833 Louisa D. Sawyer of Baldwin b May 29, 1814. They
set’d in Norway. He d Jan 13, 1894. She d Jan 18, 1905 — 10 ch:
1, Darius S., b May 9, 1834 d 1836. 2, John Randolph, b Nov 17,
1835 m 1. Laura Hill, 2. Izah T. Howe; 1 ch by 1. w, Etta May, b
502
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Nov 4, 1878. 3, Roswell Cilley, b Jan 20, 1838 m Caroline Davis. He
d June 4, 1893. 4, Georgianna, b Oct 13, 1840 d 1841. 5, Darius Syl¬
vester, b Baldwin July 19, 1842 m 1872 Adelaide Wilson of Oxford b
Sept 1, 1850. Sol in Civ. War; manufacturer of shovel handles; and
served many years on the board of selectmen. He d Oct 27, 1916.
W d Feb 28, 1913—4 ch: Albert L., b July 19, 1875 m 1900 Annie B.
Keene— ch, two sons and a dau. In ready-made clothing business for
many yrs. Now a traveling salesman. Walter L., b Nov 28, 1879 m
1907 Etnei P. Nye of Somerville, Mass. He is a coll grad; editor and
proprietor of newspaper in Penh. Agnes Elida, b May 26, 1881, is a
successful school teacher in Mass. George L., b June 10, 1887 m
Claribel T. Decoster — Regr of Deeds from 1914 to 1919 — ch: Sherman
D., b Mar 16, 1919. 6, Georgianna M., b May 24, 1845 d young. 7.
Albert E., b July 17, 1847 m 1881 Imogene Richards — d Aug 9, 1898.
8, Marcellus, b May 7, 1852 d Apr 21, 1893. 9, Wm. H., b Jan 8,
1858 m 1, 1878 Mary War dwell, 2. Mary J. Lamrock — ch: Arthur C.,
Mabel E. and Marion H. 10, Mary C., b Aug 24, 1860 m 1879 Fred
H. Stevens.
Simeon 5, son of Daniel and Jane (Moulton) Sanborn and grand¬
son of Abner 3 was b at Hampton Falls, N. H., July 5, 1759 and m
1752 Hannah Ward, who d June 20, 1850. He lived in Standish,
Norway and Greenwood and d in Bethel Oct 28, 1832. He was a Sol
in the Rev — 9 ch: Stephen 6 the oldest, b Standish Nov 16, 1783 m
1811 Sally Longley of Waterford b in 1790. Lived in Norway and
Greenwood. He d Dec 15, 1854 — 5 ch: 1, John, b Aug 20, 1814. 2,
David, b Feb 13, 1817 m Lydia Cordwell of Oxford. 3, Mary Long-
ley, b Mar 8, 1818 m John Merrill of Paris. 4, Capt. Merrill, b Dec
7, 1820 m Eliza Cranston — res New Bedford, Mass. Master of a
whale ship, and a sea captain. 5, Lucy, b Nov 28, 1822 m Charles S.
Robbins.
Fred Waldo Sanborn, b in Loudon, N. H., Feb 10, 1855 m Feb 4,
1879, Laura A. Hill of Strafford, Bow Lake, b Nov 2, 1856. Mr.
Sanborn with the assistance of his very able wife, established on a
firm basis, The Norway Advertiser, and it is one of the best local
newspaper plants in New England. She d in 1923. He is an able
financier. His father was John Shaw Sanborn b Nov 10, 1823 m 1851
Dorcas (Brown) Chadbourn, b Norway, June 29, 1826. They had
tWo ch — Harriet E., and Fred W. Harriet E., b May 20, 1853 m
Nov 15, 1870, Chas. E. Osgood. Their son, Ralph Sanborn, b June
4, 1886 has the general management of the Advertiser office and is a
very capable young man. Fred W. is descended from the immigrant
ancestor John 1, John 2, Abner 3, Dea. Abner 4, who m Lucy Lowell,
David 5, m Patience (Locke) Perkins, Newell 6 m Polly F. Shaw, the
parents of John Shaw Sanborn.
SCHNUER
Otto G. Schnuer, who was in business in Norway for many
years, but now retired, is of German extraction. He m Hedweg F.
Bartlett, who d Mar 19, 1912 “aged 63.” Mr. Schnuer is a good
HISTORY OF NORWAY
503
citizen and respected by all who know him for his uprightness and
moral qualities.— ch : Freda H., m Frank A. Barker of Bath,
Alice L., m 1911, Harold D. Adkins of Paris, and Clara.
Shackley
Aaron Shackley, b Kennebunk m 1786 Sally Crooker of Marsh¬
field. He was the son of John Shackley and his wife Mary Mason of
Berwick and grandson of Samuel Shackley, who set’d in Kennebunk
from North Berwick. He came to Norway about 1805. His w d
June 21, 1828 aged 42, m 2. Margaret A. Russell. She d Sept 30,
1841 aged 27. He d after 1852 — 4 ch.
Ebenezer C. Shackley b Jan 23, 1811 m 1836 Syrena Hall, b
Salem, N. H., May 1, 1814. He was in trade at the head of Main St.,
Norway vill. for nearly 35 years. One of the principal business men
and citizens of the place; was town treasurer in 1847-53. He d in
June 1876. She survived him many yrs. — 11 ch: 1, Oliver, b July 22,
1837 m Polly Damon. 2, Helen, b Dec 22, 1838 m Columbus Richard¬
son. 3, Caroline, lb May 23, 1841 m 1866 Albion Hall— d 1923. 4,
Sarah, b Jan 19, 1843 m Lucius I. Bartlett. 5, Freeman H., b Sept
9, 1844, d Apr 12, 1865, from wounds received in Wilderness Cam¬
paign of 1864. 6, Maria P., b Apr 29, 1846 m 1871 Frank W. Faunce.
7, Eben, b Aug 14, 1847 m Alice Lightoter — no issue. He d abt 1916.
8, Lizzie, b Aug 19, 1849 d unm. 9, Angeline F ., b June 30, 1851 m
1870 Charles Carpenter — set’d in Mass. 10, Alma N., b Dec 29,
1852 m 1875 Ambrose Peabody — d Sept 29, 1882. 11, Mary D. b
Jan 7, 1855 m Sept 29, 1882 Rev. W. W. Hooper.
Shepard
John C. Shepard came to Norway as a supt in one of the depart¬
ments in the shoe factory. He purchased the Ralph S. Freeman
farm on the east side of the lake, which he still owns. Several
years ago he removed to Auburn. In 1923 he returned to Norway.
He m Nellie N. Foster— 3 ch: 1, Alma E. m 1915 Elmer D. son of
Edward and Elvicy D. Packard. - He is an efficient salesman. 2,
Clara B. and 3, Doris E.
Shedd
The English emigrant of the Shedds of Norway was Daniel, who
came to Mass, abt 1640 when he is assumed to be of age, and sett’d
at Braintree where he is first mentioned in 1643. Braintree, England,
w^as less than ten miles from Finchinfield, where he was born. He
was bap June 25, 1620 and was 12th in descent, it is claimed from
John De Schedde, who was of Edwardstone Suffolk in 1327 in the
first year of the reign of King Edward III. There is a break in the
line to John of Sudbury of the 4th gen. From him b 1390 there is
an unbroken line to Daniel the American immigrant as follows: John,
John, John, Thomas, Thomas, Thomas, and Daniel. There are it Is
said, 4000 descendants of this 2d Daniel Shedd. He had 2 waves,
Mary, m abt 1646. She had 7 ch and d abt 1658. She was prob the
dau of John Gurney, whom Daniel called father. This John Gurney
was b in England in 1603. Daniel’s 2. w was Elizabeth. She had
4 ch and d Jan 17, 1700. He d July 27, 1708.
504
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Zechariah, 2 by 1. w b June 17, 1656 at Braintree, Mass., was a
sol in King Philip’s Indian war. He had 3 wives: 1. Mrs. Ann Bray,
2. Lydia Farley, 3. Hannah Harris. He had 6 ch by his 1. w. She
with Hannah and Agnes, oldest and youngest ch were killed by the
Indians in an attack on Billerica, Aug 1, 1692. Zachariah, one of
the ch was a sol in the Indian War of 1710, and being taken prisoner,
d in captivity in Canada. James, another son left posterity. The
2. w had 3 ch — Lydia, Ebenezer and Joseph. The 3. w had 8 ch.
The two youngest were Zechariah 3, and Benjamin, who left descend¬
ants of the Shedd name. Benjamin 4, b in Chelmsford Aug 25, 1724,
set’d in Lunenburg. His w was Elizabeth Blowers whom he m at
Lancaster July IS, 1756. Of their 5 ch was Lemuel, 5 b Feb 2, 1762.
He served as a sol in the Rev War and set’d in Norway. Late in life
the father, Benjamin, came to Norway to live with his son Lemuel
and “d here abt 1808 aged abt 85.” Lemuel is described in his en¬
listment papers in 1778 as “16 yrs old — stature 5 ft 3 ins, complexion
and hair light.” He was then stationed on the North river, N. Y.
and was mustered for the Continental Army, July 8, 1779 for nine
mos service. At 19 his stature, on another roll was 5 ft., 5 ins. He
served pretty generally from June 6, 1778 to the treaty of peace. By
a resolve of the Gen. Court, Mar 5, 1801, he with other sols were
granted $20.00 or 200 acres of land. His w was Ruth Symonds of
Bridgton, Me., whom he m in 1792. She was the dau of John and
Ruth (Metcalf) Symonds of Danvers, and a school teacher, having
taught nine summer terms in Bridgton before her marriage. Lemuel
Shedd was instantly killed by a falling timber at the raising of the
house frame for his son, Nathaniel, June 23, 1818 as elsewhere re¬
lated. His w sur him 28 yrs, dying Oct 5, 1846 aged 86 yrs. — 4 ch:
1, Nathaniel P., b Apr 8, 1793 m Phebe R. Coffin b Conway, N. H.
He d Dec 1, 1863. She d July 6, 1892, 2 ch — Lemuel, b Oct 4, 1829
m Mary (Matthews) Young of G. — no ch — he d Feb 24, 1888; James
Coffin, b Apr 8, 1835 m 1859 Emily Brown, b June 6, 1838. Enlisted
in Civil War from Greenwood — d Mar 6, 1863. Wid d Dec 30, 1864 —
ch: Alden E., set’d in Freeport. 2, Abigail, b Apr 28, 1795 m Joseph
Holt. 3, John, b abt 1797 d young. 4, John Symonds, b Nov 11, 1798
m 1. Clarissa B. Noyes, 2. Sarah Coffin, b 1803. 1. w d Oct 20, 1829.
He d Oct 30, 1885. 2. w d May 1886—6 ch— 2 by 1. w, 4 by 2. w:
Clarissa, b Sept 23, 1823 m Francis A. Blake of Bridgton, ch— John
Wesley, set’d in Wyo; Lemuel Ward, b Mar 11, 1825 m Julia F.
Dodge of B. set’td in Kan; Augustus Franklin, b Feb 20, 1832 set’d
and m in Chicago; Alice Augusta, b Nov 22, 1834 m Wm. M. Rolfe—
ch: Helen Alice, b Fdb 28, 1874 m 1892 Henry E. Bean, ch — Nettie
Ruth, b May 8, 1893. Mrs. Bean d Dec 8, 1894. Mrs. Rolfe d 1921;
Ezra Twitchell, son of John S., b May 11, 1837 set’d in Chicago, m 1.
Mary E., dau of Rev. Josiah Scarett, 2. Mary Clemmons. As a mer¬
chant in Chicago, he and his bro Augustus F. acquired great wealth.
John Wesley, 6th ch of John S. d young.
Thomas Shedd who came to Norway from Otisfield and d at his
dau’s, Mrs. George F. Andrews, Sept 5, 1894, was b Portland, Apr
9 1806. He m Nov 1833 Tyra A. Huntress of Waterboro, and came
to Otisfield with his parents, Thomas and Betsey (Pope) Shedd, and
HISTORY OF NORWAY
505
was a shoemaker and farmer. He was descended from James the
oldest son 1 °* Zechanah, the son of Daniel the immigrant noted in the
Lemuel Shedd line— his mother and two of his sisters being killed by
17%In<lianS m 16 awd.' The S°n °f this James was James, b July 9
1713 who m Mary Weld. Their son, Thomas, b Roxbury, kass., Nov
4 1/45 was a tanner. He was a sol in the Rev. His 1. w was
Eleanor Spurr. 2. Hepsibah Winship. She was b Feb 15, 1753. Of
en ch Thomas, the oldest son b Roxbury, Aug 1, 1773 m Betsey
T?p a term ln the ^slature from Otisfield. The ch of
Thomas Shedd were: I Sylvina, b Oct 22, 1834 m Littleton B.
Holden. He was a farmer and lumberman. They had no children
He d TTn 1QUf« Bdle Sh6dd’ Wh0m she had aJ°Pted.
17 fssfi J r \ SxQ a 5’ 1921’ 11 Emeline Patch, b Aug
i xr i F' Andrews °h : Effie G. b Otisfield Sept 28 1860
d N Feb 16, 1880 and Georgia E., b Sept 7, 1862 m John F. Swain
s °"e a;Jat" 29; 18p64- 111 James Appleton b Otisfield Jan 28,
i n Roblnson’ b 1845 1 ch, Cora Belle, b Jan 11
1869 m Fred H. Cummings; m 2. Nora B. Seavey; 3. Florence M.
r<tr d Feb ^ George Hammond, b July 11 1841
m Kiltie Caswell—set’tl in N. H. Two daus. V Ellen M., b July 24
1846 m Chas. W. Robinson. She d Sept 20, 1894.
Nathan, the youngest ch of Daniel, b Billerica, Mass., Feb 5 1669
J?qS4 akmiUtd t0 ,thf ^ghts of a freeman May 18, 1685, and m abt
^ f ^ 4;1670‘ He d June 18, 1736. She d Aug
J’ j 40‘ Their. olde^ ch, Dea. Nathan, b May 23, 1695 m Hannah
*dd’ hls coiism. 0f their 11 ch was Lieut. Jonathan, b Oct 29,
1729, Tewksbury, Mass., and m Lydia Kitteridge, July 1734. He was
among the Americans who pursued the British troops from Concord
and Lexington to Boston Apr 19, 1775. “A man of powerful
physique; an energetic character and later was the wealthiest farmer
in town. He d Mar 26, 1801. Wid d Mar 21, 1822 “aged 87.”
I heir oldest of 6 ch was I, Jonathan, b Aug 10, 1759 m 1778, Abigail
JMske. Abt 1806 came to Norway with his father’s family _ d in Al-
bany where several sons were living, Oct 3, 1837. His w had d in
N. Mar 11, 1824— ch, 1, Abigail, b July 27, 1779 m Abner Holt, Al¬
bany— d without issue May 14, 1856. II, Jonathan, b Sept 12, 1781
^oSo an Tlnvalld’ had leS amputated, d unm. Ill Lydia, b Aug 17
1/83 m Jacob Bancroft of Albany. IV John, b Aug 14, 1786 m Han¬
nah Flemming, b Sept 18, 1794. V William, b Mar 12, 1789 m
Jerusha Frost — set’d in Albany. He d in A Jan 13, 1867. She d Oct
8, 1892 “aged 94.” VI Levi, b July 16, 1791 m Rhoda Stevens. He
came to Norway when a boy, was a farmer and d here May 25, 1851.
She d in Buckfield, where she was living with her son Jonathan M.
July 19, 1885, in her 87th year, ch: Beulah, b Sept 19, 1824 m Henry
K. Shedd. Jonathan Millett, b Dec 29, 1831 m Clara Churchill b
Mar 21, 1845. His w d May 31, 1887 — 3 ch: Chas. E., b Aug 4, 1863,
a farmer and laborer; Nancy B., b Apr 12, 1871 d July 6, 1885, and
Silas M., b Nov 16, 1875 m Mary O. Mansfield of Haverhill, Mass.
Levi Jr., b Apr 26, 1833 m Fidelia (Brooks) Bennett, b June 6, 1845.
Gallant Sol of Co. I 5th Me., was in all the battles of his command.
After the war set d in Gorham, N. H. and was elected sheriff and
506
HISTORY OF NORWAY
co. com’r. Afterwards lived in N. and d at W. Paris May 8, 1917 at
84. His wid d there Sept 25, 1917 — 2 ch: Wm. Estes, b Nov 13, 1869
m Jennie P. Childs — no ch; and Ida E., b Gorham, Aug 2, 1874 d Mar
9, 1878.
VII Silas, b Oct 2, 1794 m Clarissa Noyes. Abt 1806 came to
N. with parents, was a cooper and farmer. Set’d on a farm in the
French neighborhood, N. W. of the Chapel on road to Albany, where
he d Apr 30, 1885. His w d Sept 25, 1877. Four ch: 1, Calvin, b
Aug 20, 1827 m Sarah Jane Witt, b Oct 28, 1832. He lived on the
old homestead — 3 ch, all girls: Anna May, b Jan 16, 1855, and Etta
Louise, b Nov 29, 1857; d unm, Emma Jane b Mar 3, 1859 m Mike
F. Kerwin. He was a tanner. She a school teacher. He served
3 yrs in the regular army — was a well informed man. He d So. Paris
Nov 20, 1919. She d at Bridgton, July 5, 1907 — 5 ch: Dora Louise,
b Jan 13, 1881, a grad of Emerson School, Boston, teacher in Oahu
College, Honolulu, unm — a very talented lady. John Edward, b N
Aug 1, 1883, grad at Harvard — res Newton, Mass, m Lillian G. Loker
a grad of Wellesley Coll. Clarissa, d at birth Mar 20, 1884. Lester
Calvin, b Peabody, Apr 13, 1889 d same year. Francis Isabel, b
Bridgton, Sept 5, 1897 m Richard Lundstrum of Boston. 2, Alice
Noyes, b July 1829 m Robert J. Frost. They had one ch, Isabel
Frances, b Nov 4, 1861 d July 9, 1877. She was a lovely girl and
an excellent scholar. This was one of the first families living near
N. Norway. He d Nov 25, 1898. His wid d July 20, 1916 at 87.
3, Otis Noyes, b July 10, 1831 m Frances Hawkins, set’d in Aurora,
Ill. He d there May 2, 1918. She d May 19, 1917—5 ch: 4 girls and
1 boy — he d young. 4, Caroline Noyes, b May 29, 1833 m Benj Henry
Noble b N. June 10, 1833. Set’d in Los Gatos, Cal., 1886— no ch.
John, son of Ensign Jonathan set’d in Albany abt 1810 and later
removed to Waterford where he d Aug 11, 1864. His wid d Sept 15,
1870 aged 76. They had 14 ch — I Hannah, b Nov 22, 1809 m 1,
Isaiah French, 2. Jacob Bancroft — set’d in Albany — 4 ch, one of
whom m Alden B. Washburn. II Sumner, b Oct 29, 1811 m Sophia
A. Noyes, set’d in Waterford. He d July 17, 1844 and she m James
P. Shedd — ch: Geo. Franklin, b N. Mar 16, 1836 d Mar 19, 1884 — m
Susan B. Witham; Anna M., b Dec 11, 1837 m John C. Saunders, a
blacksmith at Norway Lake vil. She d Dec 5, 1922. Ward Noyes,
b May 2, 1840 m Hattie C. Blake — set’d in Lewiston where he d Apr
30, 1891; Sophia Ann, b Mar 3, 1842 m Albion Hall; Amos Noyes, b
Feb 7, 1844 d Feb 24, 1851. Hosley, b Albany June 2, 1814 was a
stone mason and a well informed man — m Phebe L. Frost, b N. July
17, 1816. He d Nov 27, 1877 in N. She d Lewiston July 1903 “aged
87” — 1 ch: Lydia Ann, b Dec 18, 1843 d Jan 2, 1857. James Parker,
bro of Hosley, b June 6, 1816 m 1. Mary Ann Proctor, 2. Sophia
(Noyes) Shedd, 3. Sarah (Bradbury) Stevens. He d N. Nov 21,
1894. 1. w d Apr 16, 1851; 2. w d N. June 13, 1872; 3. w d in Seattle,
Wash.— 4 ch: Charles E., b Oct 2, 1840 m Mary E. Leighton— set’d in
N. Y.; Mary Ann, b June 26, 1846, m Horace Oxnard; James N., b
Oct 28, 1849 m Mary D. Webb, s in Hartford, Ct., and Lyman, b Apr
3, 1851 m Rebecca L. Stuart — s in Harrison — 1 ch: Josephine P. m
Guy H. Caswell. George, bro of James P., b Jan 15, 1827 m 1. Re-
HISTORY OF NORWAY
507
becca Frost b Dec 22, 1827, d Aug 25, 1869-2 eh: 1, Dr. George
18°54ey’rbr«TatfrS>rd Fe\ T1853 m Norway- Mary Hall> b Mar 6
1854. Giad of Norway Lib Inst, and taught school in N. and W
Grad at nG Me> ^ed‘ Sch in 1879‘ P^cticed at Fryeburg, Bartlett
20di?i°8 CrW^N- H' Attame<i eminence in his profession— d Mar
9~n T?e°r|^ \ ^ M- D' beffan practice at No. Conway,
All ■ 7 ?r7J,°hn Zlba’ b N°rway July 8, 1861 m 1916 Alice E
Allen— 1 ch Rebecca, b Feb 15, 1918. Grad of Me. Med. Sch. Is in
the successful practice of his profession at No. Conway, N. H.
Smith
The race of Smiths is the most numerous and one of the most
ancient on earth. The Smiths of Norway and vicinity trace their de-
scent from James 1, an English emigrant who came to Woolwich Me.
shortly after 1638. May 8, 1648 he ] bought of the Indian chief Robin
Hood, a large tract of land in that township. He was the first Re¬
corder of the Courts held at the house of Thomas Ashley near Merry-
meeting Bay May 28, 1654. By w Elizabeth, he had 5 ch: Elizabeth;
James; Samuel killed by the Indians in 1676; Mary and Hazadiah.
The last named b m Woolwich 1657 m 1684 Hannah Grover. Thev
set d in Falmouth now Portland. On the attack of the Indians at
t almouth in 1699, the family removed to Beverly, Mass., where the
parents d very aged— she Apr 30, 1751 at nearly 90 yrs of age. They
had eight ch: Jonathan 3, the 6th bap Aug 12, 1697 m Rebecca Wood.
He d in Beverly, Apr 11, 1751 — his wid in New Gloucester at the
residenre of her son Josiah in 1785. They too had 8 ch: Josiah, 4 b
Apr 7, 1736 m 1760 Esther Pool of Gloucester, b Mar 27, 1738. He
d in Pans and his w in New Gloucester. It seems remarkable that
Josiah should have been the father of 8 ch as his father and grand¬
father had been. 1, Rebecca, b Oct 13, 1763 m Benj. Hammond, set’d
m Paris; 2, Esther, b Feb 20, 1765 m John Parsons— set’d in Norway.
3, Josiah, b July 8, 1767 m Deborah Haskell — set’d in Paris- 4
Joshua, b June 9, 1770 m Mollie Woodman — set’d in Norway- 5,
Israel, b Oct 28, 1772 m Hannah Tufts— set’d in New Gloucester’; 6,
Daniel, b Jan 27, 1775 m Susan Bennett — set’d in Norway; 7, Betsey,
b Jan 17, 1777 m Jonathan Woodman — set’d in Norway; 8, Isaac, b
Dec 27, 1782 m Bethula Haskell — set’d in Paris, but later removed
to Parkman.
Joshua, son of Josiah, d at Norway Oct 26, 1843. He set’d in
Norway in 1790 and was the first town clerk when the town was or¬
ganized in 1797 and was also town treas for 28 yrs. He first set’d on
Pike’s Hill and afterwards moved to the village and opened a hotel _
later known as the “Elm House” which he kept until his death. He
and his wife, Mollie Woodman, had 8 ch: Joshua, Solomon, David and
George d young. 5, Laura, b Aug 31, 1805 m Capt. Micah Humphrey
of Dorchester, Mass., and d May 8, 1882— no ch. 6, Adeline b 1807
m Rufus Beal. She d Nov 12, 1835. She had two ch, Laura and
Theodore. 7, Polly, b 1794 m Jonathan Hale and had 3 ch : Emeline,
Solomon, and Oliver. 4, Eliot, b Aug 24, 1801 d Sept 28, 1873. He
was a carriage maker and was also P. M. under Gen. Zachary Tay¬
lor’s administration and represented Norway in the legislature of
508
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1838 and again in 1839, but is best known as Sec. and Treas. of the
Oxford Co. Ag’l So., which position he filled for 25 yrs. He m 1.
Sarah Barton, dau of Aaron and Sarah Barton of Jay; 2, Lavinia
Howard Barton, a sister of his 1. w — ch: Helen Augusta, b Mar 14,
1828 d Nov 13, 1855; George Eliot, b Apr 1, 1832 d July 16, 1847;
Sarah Malvina, b Sept 1834, d July 25, 1835; Sarah Adeline, b Dec
15, 1838 d Sept 23, 1840; Flora Louise, b Sept 2, 1840 m June 15,
1865 Prof. Addison E. Verrill of Yale Col. and had 5 ch: Sidney
Irving, b Feb 18, 1843 m June 29, 1882, Eugenia P. Barbour of New
Haven, Conn. He graduated from Yale Coll, in 1867. In 1871 he
was elected State Entomologist and Prof, of Com. Anatomy in 1878.
He has been connected with the U. S. Fish Com. since 1871. In 1884
he was elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the
highest association of scientific men in the U. S.; Clarence Montrose,
b Apr 4, 1846, m Dec 5, 1877 Frances, dau of Peter B. Buck of
Greenwood. He is a very skilful mechanic and was for many yrs in
the employ of B. F. Spinney & Co. He d in 1923.
Daniel, son of Josiah 4, b New Gloucester Jan 2 i, 1775 d at Ox¬
ford, July 20, 1870. He m 1. Susan Bennett, dau of Jonathan and
Betty (Haskell) Bennett of New Gloucester, b July 12, 1778 — d Sept
29, 1825. He m 2. Susan Cobb, of Norway. He moved from New
Gloucester to Norway Mar 5, 1807 and lived for a time on the farm
formerly owned by Elhanan Tubbs. In 1828 he moved to Oxford
vill and in a short time to a farm on “Fore Street” where he resided
until his death. Was town treasurer for several years: Ch, 1,
Jonathan Bennett, b Aug 17, 1800 d Oct 15, 1853; 2, Lavinia, b May
4 1803, d Apr 11, 1896; 3, Mark Pool, b Aug 2, 1806 d June 30, 1871;
4 Luther Farrar, b Sept 6, 1808 d Aug 28, 1811; 5, Sebastian Streeter,
b’ Feb 1, 1819, d Jan 25, 1908; 6, Ruth Bennett, b Mar 20, 1820 d
Nov 8, 1850, m Solomon, son of Jonathan and Polly (Smith) Hall.
Jonathan B., son of Daniel was a shoemaker by trade but did not
follow that business. He was in trade for awhile and later followed
the business of land surveying. He represented the town in the
legislature of 1837- and was co. com’r for some years. He m Lydia
Rust, dau of Joseph Rust, the first register of deeds of Oxford Co.
His ch were 1, Susan Bennett, b July 24, 1832 m William Albert Mer¬
rill. 2, Joseph Henry Rust, b Mar 11, 1845 m 1. 1866 Ella B. Cai-
penter, 2. Media Hooper. His ch were Bernice Iola, b Sept 13, 1867
m Henry O. Knapp of East Providence, R. I. and Edwin Albert, b in
1877.
Mark Pool, son of Daniel was an energetic business man and
built the tannery which he sold to John L. Horne and which for a
time was the leading industry of the town. He also built a grist mill
at “Steep Falls” and was interested in many other business enter¬
prises He m 1. Jane, dau of Benjamin and Mary (Pike) Tucker of
Norway. She was b Apr 12, 1811 and d in 1841; m 2. Susan, dau of
William and Susan (Bailey) Tenney — ch: 1, Daniel, b 1833 d 1834,
2, Delphina, b Nov 16, 1835 d Sept 1837; 3, Almira H., b Aug 6, 1838
m William Francis, son of William and Calista (Wood) Foster — 3 ch:
Effie, b Aug 10, 1869 d Dec following; Winnie, b Sept 6, 1870, teacher
HISTORY OF NORWAY
509
and physician in California; and Henry Boynton, b Aug 30, 1872.
4, Albert, b Mar 1840 d June 6, 1840. 5, Edwin Whitman, b June 4,
1843. He carried on with great success the grist mill at the Falls
built by his father. He d unm Oct 2, 1875. 6, Laurestine Denison,
b Sept 9, 1852 d Sept 11, 1877. 7, Izah Tenney, b Mar 11, 1850 d
Oct 12, 1851. 8, Mary Elvira, b Feb 2, 1848 d Dec 20, 1848. 9,
Emma Jane, b Nov 8, 1858 resides unm at Norway.
Sebastian Streeter, son of Daniel, resided most of his life on a
farm in Oxford. Was one of the selectmen for more than 18 yrs;
a member of the Maine Bd of Agl for several yrs and treas of the
Maine State Grange for eight yrs. Well informed and most re¬
spected citizen — ch: Howard Daniel, son of Sebastian S. b Oxford
Aug 11, 1844. Taught school for some yrs and was elected Cashier
of Norway Nat Bank Jan 1, 1875, which position he held until Jan 1,
1919 when he was elected its President. He m Sept 22, 1869, Mary
Cole, dau of Elhanan and Sally (Curtis) Whitman, b Feb 28, 1846.
She is a dau of Joseph and Mary (Cole) Whitman and g g dau of
Jacob, the Rev. Sol. and Abigail (Packard) Whitman — ch: 1, Lee
Mixer, b Oxford May 5, 1872 m Hattie Scribner; 2, Mark Pool, b
Oxford Oct 8, 1874 m Abra J. Vinol; 3, Alice May, b Norway Nov
8, 1880— grad of Colby Coll class of 1899— m Lester W. Horne, a phy¬
sician, and resides at Fairhaven, Mass. — ch: Howard Wallace
Horne, b June 21, 1906; Ronald Chester Horne,' b Dec 30, 1910, and
Margaret. 4, Fred Elhanan, b Feb 12, 1884— grad of Bowdoin class
of 1906. Entered the employ of the Norway Natl Bank in the fall
of 1906 and was elected Cashier Jan 1, 1919 — m Blanche, dau of
Edward >W. Penley of West Paris — ch: June Frances, b June 20,
1908, and Edwin Whitman, b Apr 17, 1912.
Mark Pool, son of Howard D. m Albra J. Vinal of Vinalhaven,
where he resides. Is general manager of the net factory owned by
the L. C. Chase Co. of Boston — ch: Kilton Vinal, b May 19, 1909.
5. Don Sebastian, son of Howard D., b Aug 17, 1887 m Maude
Allen of Norway and is now in the employ of the Hartford Rubber
Co. at Hartford, Conn.
Lee Mixer, son of Howard D., m Hattie Scribner and is in the
clothing business at Norway — 5 ch: Marian Scribner, b July 15, 1892
m 1918 John Matthews of New York who is a teacher in Malden,
Mass — 1 ch, John B. Jr., b Aug 25, 1922; Ruth I., b July 30, 1898, m
Albert Guilford of So. Paris; Mark Pool, b Jan 2, 1908; Eleanor, b
Sept 28, 1909, and Howard Daniel, b Apr 12, 1911.
James Smith with w Eleanor came to Norway abt 1824. It is
said that she was sent to N. E. to relatives of the family by her
parents to prevent her marrying him, but concealing himself on the
same vessel in which his sweetheart sailed, after they were far
away from the English port of embarkation, he left his hiding place
and joined the disconsolate maiden who believed herself being torn
away from her lover. Her joy at seeing him and realizing his con¬
stancy and devotion can better be imagined than described. Another
version of the story is, that the whole matter was planned before¬
hand by the lovers and that she assisted in carrying it out. Soon after
510
HISTORY OF NORWAY
landing in this country they were married, and “lived happily ever
after.” He was 53 when the census of 1850 was taken and she 56.
The mother lived to be 92, dying Jan 12, 1886. He had d Jan 23,
1863 — 8 ch: 1, Sarah Ann, b Aug 13, 1824 d in infancy; 2, Sarah Ann,
b Mar 3, 1826 m Benjamin Marston — d Feb 13, 1904; 3, Eleanor, b
July 16, 1827 m Eben Marston; 4, John R., b Nov 10, 1828 m Sarah
C. Walker of Fryeburg. They had Eugene F., b Fryeburg Jan. 7,
1859 — an Atty at law in Norway, m 1. Ada V., dau of Chas. H. Has¬
kell, who d Jan 27, 1889, aged 31; 2. Hattie A. Andrews — d Mar 27,
1898, “aged 26;” 3. Alice E. Alexander — 2 daus by 3. w— Elsie
Eugenia, b July 8, 1903, and Eleanor Alexander, b Sept 16, 1904.
5, Betsy Jane, b July 24, 1832 m Peter C. Putnam. 6, Benjamin.
7, Mary, b Aug 12, 1834 m Eben Marston. 8, James, b July 29, 1838,
m 1. Lizzie C. Walker, Fryeburg, who d Jan 30, 1892 aged 53; 2,
Mrs. Sarah M. Seavey. He was a boot and shoe trader at Frost’s
Corner and in the village. He d Oct 10, 1903. Wid d July 31, 1921
aged 86 — 3 ch: James Orin, b Oct 29, 1864 m 1892 Grace M. Stevens.
He was a practicing atty at Presque Isle and Lewiston — d at Auburn
home Sept 23, 1921 — no ch; Charles R. - an artist, m and re¬
sides in Portland; Edith M., - unm, conducts a boot and
shoe store in Norway.
Timothy Smith, son of Merodach, was an early settler in Paris.
He d in 1828. Two of his children, Antepas, b Jan 14, 1796 who m
Sarah Hill, and Timothy Jr., b July 25, 1797, m Alice French, set’d
in Norway. Antepas, d Mar 26, 1857. His wid d Oct 7, 1882 aged
78 yrs 4 mos— 8 ch: Timothy, Dolly, Mary and John Hill, d young;
Timothy, b Sept 25, 1833 became hostler and all round helppr at the
Elm House under Otis True, and continued under Capt. Wm. Whit-
marsh — his services extending over 60 yrs. He d unm Mar 8, 1910
in his 77th yr and was bur on Frost Hill, beside his parents. Dolly,
b June 2, 1835 m 1. Abram Green; 2. George H. Small. Josiah Hill,
b Nov 7, 1840, a Civ. War sol, d Dec 15, 1862 — bur at New Orleans,
La. Sarah, b Nov 7, 1840 m Albert C. Gammon, a Civ. War sol, k on
picket line at Petersburg, Va., Oct. 2, 1864.
Timothy Smith Jr., m Alice French, b 1802 — d Oct 5, 1891. Of
their 8 ch were Clara, b Feb 26, 1827 m Edmund Ames; George F., b
Feb 6, 1835 m Harriet N. Jordan, dau of Samuel, b Aug 13, 1828.
He d Apr 17, 1916 “aged 81;” Wm. Henry, b Dec 25, 1843 m Anna
Gledhill. He was a sol in the Civil War, who set’d in Wyoming. He
d Oct 14, 1891. Charles A., b Apr 11, 1839 m Apphia (Parsons)
Stiles. He d July 22, 1889. She d May 27, 1882.
Stearns
Joseph Stearns, b Apr 2, 1797 m Hannah M. dau of Ezekiel and
Ruth (York) Dustin. His parents were John and Priscilla (Holt)
Stearns and grandson of John, prob a Rev Sol, and Martha (Harring¬
ton) Stearns.
Ezekiel Dustin was the son of Jesse, prob a Rev Sol, and Eliz¬
abeth Dustin. These Dustins are claimed by their posterity to be
descendants of the Hannah Dustin Who tomahawked the Indians that
HISTORY OF NORWAY
511
were taking her into captivity. Jesse Dustin and his family set’d
first m Fryeburg, but afterwards removed to Bethel. Joseph Stearns
lived on Swan Hill in Bethel.
Joseph Henry b May 29, 1833, d Mar 1, 1881. His wife Helen L
d Jan 22,1900. ch— Walter S. Stearns, m Emma F. Cushman. 2
ch 1, Carl C., b June 30, 1891; 2, Arthur Earl, b Mar 5, 1893 He
has (1921) a position on the Portland Evening Express.
Samuel Fessenden Stearns, son of Sumner, gr son of Thomas
and great-grandson of John and Martha (Farrington) Stearns, b
Bethel July 19, 1831 m 1. Harriet Bird. She d in Bethel and he m
Hannah Hardin. They came to N. after the shoe factory was built.
He was a truckman here for many years,— a Civil War Sol and
granted a pension, which wid also obtained at his death. He d Jan
4, 1905. She d Feb 27, 1913 in her 77th year. 2 ch — Hattie L., by 1.
w b in Bethel m N. E. Richardson of Bethel. Lilia B. m 1890 George
P. Locke.
Obed Stearns, of Lovell, son of Benj. and Eliza (Frye) Stearns
b in 1803 m Eliza Barker. He moved from Lovell, late in life, to live
with his youngest son, Seward S. and d here June 16, 1890 aged 87.
Joseph F. Stearns, one of his ch b Lovell Jan 18, 1842 m Ellen Rus¬
sell, b Feb 2, 1847. He was an officer in the Civil War. Served in
town office, in the leg and as co. com. He d Feb 29, 1910. 4 ch _ b
in Lovell— i, Edith M., b Nov 16, 1867 m Dr. Herman L. Bartlett; 2,
Elizabeth Ellen, b June 25, 1869 m Charles L. Bartlett; 3, Col. Albert
J., b Oct 12, 1873 m Alice M. Wheeler of South Paris, — no ch- 4
Josephine, b Apr 3, 1890 m Carl E. Stone.
Seward S. Stearns, the youngest ch of Obed, m 1. Nellie Russell.
She d and he m 2. 1891 Mary E. Jordan, — a school teacher. He was
a grad of Bowdoin, lawyer, treasurer of Savings Bank, selectman,
and judge of probate at time of his death Aug 9, 1899. He tenderly
cared for his aged parents during the last years of their lives. Wid
d Mar 3, 1920. 3 ch — 1, Rachel Jordan, b June 16, 1892 d in infancy;
2, John Barker, b Feb 15, 1894, — coll grad, and prof, at Princeton
Univei sity , 3, George Frye , b June 16, 1897 — coll grad and professor
in coll, in New York.
Stevens
Jonas Stevens, sen, was of Townsend, Mass and removed from
there to Gray before the Rev War, where his dau Ruth was b in 1762,
said to have been the first white ch b in Gray, then called New Bos¬
ton. He d in Gray. 6 ch — 1, Jonas Jr., b 1749 m Mary Crandall; 2,
Joseph, b 1/53 m Elizabeth Hobbs; 3, Joel, b 1755 was 3 times m.
His 3. w was Olive Hobbs; 4, Nathaniel, b Feb 1761 m Rebecca Cobb;
5, Ruth, b 1762 m James Doughty; 6, Susanna, m Samuel Winslow’.
Jonas Jr and his wife Mary had 9 ch. None of their male de¬
scendants are living at this day in Norway. Sarah, b Oct 17, 1787,
the first ch of the earliest settlers b in Norway m Jonathan Edwards
of Otisfield and passed her last days there. The date of her birth
is the only certain one of those of his 9 ch. Their names were : Benj.,
m Susan Sawyer, William, Jane, m Edward Wells, Elizabeth, m Wm
512
HISTORY OF NORWAY
York, Amos, m Deborah Vickery, Ruth, m Enoch Lovejoy, Joseph, m
Sarah Haggerty, Jonathan, m Lettie Turner and Sarah, m Jonathan
Edwards. He d Feb 9, 1833 aged 84. His w d the same year.
Joseph Stevens, the foremost citizen of the earliest settlers m
Elizabeth Hobbs, a sister of Amos and Jeremiah, who came to N. abt
the same time they did. He d Aug 14, 1830 aged 77. His w d Apr
10, 1841 — aged 83. 7 ch — 1, Daniel, b 1780 m Miriam Fowler — set’d
in Greenwood. He d May 30, 1855. She d Mar 22, 1855 aged 77 ; 2,
Jonas, b 1781 m Mary Hobbs, set’d in Greenwood, — d Sept 15, 1871
“aged 90;” 3, Amy, b 1784 d unm, Nov 6, 1821; 4, Apphia, b 1786 m
Benj Eastman, Conway, N. H.; 5, Joseph J., b May 31, 1788 m Ruth
Bradbury; 6, Elvira, b 1794 m Dr. John Eastman, Conway, N. H.;
7, Simon, b Aug 10, 1798 m Rebecca Atherton, Waterford.
Joseph Stevens Jr m Ruth dau of Jacob Bradbury. They resided
in Norway and Bethel. He d Jan 23, 1859, “aged 71,’’ — she d Feb
8, 1867 aged “73 yrs 6 mos.” 7 ch — 1, Elvira, b Apr 20, 1815 m
Stephen P. Rowe; 2, Simon, b June 16, 1818 m Harriet Upton; 3,
Emma, b Apr 13, 1822 m Orsamus Nute; 4, Nathaniel, b Nov 1, 1823
d unm; 5, Rosilla, b June 29, 1828 m 1. Horace Paine; 2, Dan’l
Eastman ; 6, Francis Freeman, b Feb 3, 1830 m Charlotte Bryant; 7,
Ann Maria, b Sept 14, 1833 m James H. Estes.
v
Simon Stevens, son of Joseph Jr m Sept 1843 Harriet N. Upton
b Aug 25, 1819. A prosperous farmer. Lived for many years on
Upton Ridge, but later in life moved to a farm near Norway Lake
vill, where they both died very aged. 1 ch — Charles A., b Oct 21,
1847 m 1. 1871 Christine Stevens, 2. Minne (Plummer) Scalar. Dr.
Charles A. Stephens is a graduate of Bowdoin, taught school for a
period of years, was principal of the Norway Liberal Institute and
served on the Norway School board. He studied medicine for his lit¬
erary work and is learned in the science of biology and is an authority
on experimental work in the laboratory. For over 50 yrs he has
written short and continued stories for the Youth’s Companion, — his
“Camping Out’’ and kindred stories is a field he has covered as no
other writer and may be said to stand at the head of writers in this
department of literature. His work is not yet done. His place in
literature is not yet fixed, and his researches in biology are not com¬
pleted. For 30 years he has worked in hiis laboratory and there are
many more years yet to come. His first wife had a literary turn of
mind and wrote several stories and many sketches. His second wife
is a celebrated singer who had a great career in Europe. 2 ch by 1.
w — Dr. Edna Harriet, b Dec 16, 1874 m Dec 24, 1913 Arthur Hastings
Delano. 1 ch — Charles Stephens, b Boston May 26, 1915 and Janet
C., b abt 1877 m Sept 2, 1914 Carl W. Boynton, — res Portland, 1 ch —
Robert Stephens b Aug 28, 1915.
Francis Freeman Stevens, youngest son of Joseph Jr b Bethel
Feb 2, 1831 m Charlotte dau of Eli and Arvilla (Dudley) Bryant of
Woodstock. He enlisted in the 7th Me Batt’y in the Civil War, Dec
30, 1863, and participated in the engagments of his command, and
was mustered out with it, at Augusta June 21, 1865. He moved from
Woodstock to Norway after the war and lived on the corner of Tucker
HISTORY OF NORWAY
513
and Alpine Sts. He d abt 1905. Wid d July 23, 1907 aged nearly 75.
Both had been pensioners of the U. S. on account of his service in the
war; ch— Fred H., m Mary C. Sanborn and had Eugene H., Della
L., and Charlotte M., who m Osborne E. Ripley of Paris; Frank H.,
m Flora A. Wing, and had Walter H., who m Bertha Hutchins^d
Aug 1905; Guy F ., who m Myra G. Haggett of South Paris; Abbie
F., Charles E., and Winfield F.
Simon Stevens, youngest son of Joseph sen m 1823 Rebecca
Atherton b Waterford Nov 3, 1801. He was one of the leading men
of the town in his day, town clerk, chairman of the board of selectmen
and rep. to the legislature. He d Mar 27, 1891. 5 ch. Only one,
Sidney Albion, lived to grow up and have a family of his own. Sidney
A., b Aug 21, 1830 m 1864 Abbie J. Frost b Jan 22, 1834. He was a
surveyor and draughtsman, set’d late in life in Mass., and d there
Nov 1, 1899. 3 ch — Charles, b Nov 16, 1864 d Nov 17, 1864; Grace
Mabel, b Sept 2, 1867 m J. Orin Smith; Emma Idella, b Dec 3, 1871
m Wm C. Dane of Auburn.
Joel Stevens, 3d son of Jonas sen b 1755 m 3d Olive, dau of Jere.
Hobbs sen b May 30, 1771. He d May 18, 1850, before the census of
that year was taken. Mrs. Olive Stevens d after 1852 when she was
past 80. He had 2 ch by 1. w, 2 by 2. and 11 by 3d. 1, Joel, m Anna
Bailey; 2, William, accidentally killed when a young man; 3, Eleanor,
b July 28, 1790 m Wm Pingree; 4, Polly, b May 2, 1793 m Wm Frost;
5, Charlotte, b July 11, 1795 m Capt John Whitmarsh; 6, Olive, b
Nov 23, 1796 m Andrew Mills; 7, Jeremiah, b Apr 24, 1798; 8, Job
Eastman, b Feb 23, 1800; 9, Dresser, b Oct 10, 1801 m Lucy Hobbs.
He d Aug 22, 1870. She d Apr 23, 1886; 10, Miriam, b May 24,
1803; 11, Moses, b Nov 1805 m Lydia Gay; 12, Sarah, b Oct 1807
m Charles Callahan; 13, William, b Aug 12, 1809, d May 18, 1810;
14, Irene, b Sept 5, 1810; 15, Ezra, b Aug 29, 1816.
Nathaniel Stevens, the youngest of the 4 bros of that name to
settle in Norway b Feb 1761 m Rebecca Cobb b Cape Elizabeth 1766.
He d June 30, 1816. She m 2. Jacob Frost, the Rev Sol, but had no
ch by him. She d in Jan 1847. 10 ch — 1, Abigail, b June 4, 1784 m
Thomas Judkins; 2, Charles, b Apr 4, 1786 m Mary Gammon — d May
17, 1815; 3, Susanna, b Mar 18, 1789 d Sept 1791; 4, Szisan, b June
5, 1791 m Dudley Woodibridge. She d Mar 16, 1888; 5, Rebecca, b
Jan 22, 1794 m Baker Ames; 6, Rhoda, b Apr 10, 1796 m Levi Shedd;
7, Nathaniel, b Apr 9, 1799 m Jane Bartlett; 8, Orpha, b Nov 4, 1805
m George Frost; 9, William, b Jari 17, 1808 m Sylvia Barton; 10,
George, b abt 1811 m Mary D. Scott.
Amos Stevens, son of Jonas Jr b July 1781 m Deborah Vickery of
Danville. He kept a hotel on the shore of South Pond in Greenwood.
He d Aug 27, 1866 aged 85. His wid d Oct 18, 1870 aged 88. Their
3d ch Winthrop, b Feb 24, 1809 m Mary R. Flint. • He d Mar 26,
1880. She d July 9, 1902, aged 82 yrs. 10 mas. — no ch. Winthrop
Stevens for many years was a most efficient deputy sheriff in N. His
wife was respected and liked by all who knew her. All are buried in
Pine Grove.
514
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Noah Otis Stevens, son of Jonas, -who m Mary Hobbs, and gr son
of Joseph sen b Mar 1806 m Ohloe Young. They lived in Greenwood
and Norway. He d Oct 31, 1869 aged 63 yrs 7 mos. His wid d June
22, 1889 aged 80. They raised a family of seven girls, noted for their
beauty and excellent qualities — nearly all were school teachers. 1,
Emetine, b 1833 m Wm P. French; 2, Hannah A., b June 1834 m
Andrew J. Knight; 3, Mary Ann, b June 1834 d Dec 8, 1836; 4, Flora
F., b 1836 d 1856; 5, Mary A., b 1839 m Henry Williams; 6, Dora M.,
b 1841 m George E. Horr; 7, Chloe /., b 1845 m George W. Caldwell;
8, Christine, b 1847 m Dr. C. A. Stephens; 9, Ellen G., b 1848 m John
H. French. She d in 1917.
Stone
Rev Samuel (some authorities say Thomas) Stone, was a dis¬
senting clergyman of England. His son Simon 1, came to N. E. in
the ship Increase, Robert Lee master, in Apr 1635 with wife Jane dau
of Rev Wm Clarke and several ch. He was then 50 and she 38. They
set’d at Watertown, Mass, and his homestead included a large part of
what is now Mt. Auburn and Cambridge cemeteries. There is (1916)
a pear tree nearly 300 years old, bearing fruit in the Cambridge
cemetery, preserved by the forester’s art, which a tablet states was
planted by Simon Stone. He was admitted to the privileges of citizen¬
ship in 1636 and was thereafter prominent in church and town affairs
for many years. He was dea of the church in Watertown — d Sept
22, 1665 aged 80. His w had d many years before and he had m a 2.
time but had no ch by the 2d marriage — 5 ch, 2 sons and 3 daus.
Simon Jr 2, b England in 1631 had the homestead and followed in the
footsteps of his father. He also was prominent in church and town
affairs, and was a rep to the Gen Court. He and his wife Mary had
11 ch, one of whom was a clergyman; Jonathan 3, the youngest son.
b Dec 26, 1677 inherited the homestead on his father’s death Jan 7,
1754, — m in 1720 for his 2. w Hepsibah Coolidge, “a beautiful and
accomplished woman.” They had 3 ch. The youngest Moses F., b
Dec 16, 1723 d Dec 2, 1796. He m Hannah Taintor. “She had dark
hair, a rich color, brilliant black eyes and a sprightly figure.” He is
described as a handsome man, was prominent in town affairs and rose
to be a colonel in the militia. 4 ch — Moses Jr 5, the first son and 2d
ch, had the paternal homestead. He was b June 16, 1749 and m 1776
Elizabeth Stone. She d and he m in 1785 Abigail Larnard. He
served in the War for American Independence, was at Ticonderoga,
Bunker Hill and in other battles, and rose to the command of a co.,
as its captain. Capt Moses Stone was the last owner of the ancestral
lands in Watertown. He was educated as a physician, but his large
business interests prevented its general practice. He is described as
a very handsome man, cultivated in mind and elegant in manners.
He had 4 ch by his first w and 7 by 2 w. Moses 6, the oldest ch b
May 10, 1777 m 1802 Elizabeth Brown. Her grandfather Coolidge
was killed at the battle of Lexington Apr 19, 1775, — the opening en¬
gagement of the Rev. Moses set’d in Jay, Maine. In 1822 he was
appointed a dea of the Methodist church at Bath and ordained an
elder at Kent’s Hill in 1840. He was a rep. to the Gen Court at
HISTORY OF NORWAY
515
Boston in 1811-12 and a member of the Maine legislature in 1824-5-6.
He rose to the rank of Maj. in the State militia — d Feb 17, 1860
His w d nine months after at 72. They are buried in the cemetery
at Stone s Corner in Jay. His ancestors of the five preceding gener¬
ations are buried in a little lot in Watertown, Mass, not far from
Mt Auburn Cemetery.
Moses 7 the 1. son and 4. ch of Moses and Elizabeth Stone b Jay
Oct 4, 1808 m 1836 Harriet Parker b May 24, 1810. He was a
justice of the peace and was known as “Squire Stone.” He d Apr
12, 1891. His w d Aug 21, 1891. 10 ch— 1, Cyrus, b Apr 20, 1837
m Celia M. Cleaves of Bridgton. He d Feb 7, 1889. She d June 7,
1913 aged 72. Two ch d in infancy; 4, Moses C., b Apr 23, 1842 m
Margaret Colville— 6 eh, Cuthbert P., Mary L., Edna H., Eugene M.,
Margaret, and Kenneth G.; 5, Asaph, b June 25, 1844 d Oct 1, 1869;
6, Lauriette, b Dec 31, 1845 m Will Haskell,— 2 ch, Mabel E., and
Bertha E. She d Jan 12, 1915. He d May 6, 1913; 7, Emma A. b
Feb 21, 1847 d Oct 29, 1907; 8, George W., b Jan 7, 1849 d Oct 2,
1910; 9, Abbie M., b Aug 20, 1857; 10, Franklin Pierce, b Jay June
4, 1853, named for the then President of the U. S. m 1855 Minnie A.
French. She d Dec 24, 1916. Mr. Stone is a druggist in Norway
village, has been very successful in business, lives in one of the best
residences of the place and is a prominent member of the Methodist
church. 3 ch— 1, Albert French, b Nov 19, 1886 d Feb 18, 1887; 2,
Carl Ellis, b Apr 15, 1888 m Josephine M. Stearns. He is a druggist
in Indianapolis, Ind; 3, Beatrice, b Oct 11, 1895 unm.
George Washington Stone, of another family, b North Leomin¬
ster, Mass, May 8, abt 1820 m Mary Ann Jordan. They set'd in
Bisbeetown, Waterford. His father was Joseph Stone. Both parents
d in Mass. George W. Stone came to Norway abt 1886. His w d
Apr 20, 1899. He d July 11, 1906. 9 ch— 1, John G., b Dec 23, 1848
d unm; 2, Charles H., b Apr 29, 1850 m Mary Lebroke. She d abt
1913. ch, Ernest, Flora, Lillian, Alice and Nancy — res Albany; 3,
Mary Elizabeth, b 1852 d at age of 10; _4, James A., b May 5, 1854;
5, Geo. F ., b Apr 28, 1856 m Mary E. Rice. 2 ch, Philip F., b Dec
2 1, 1883, P. M. 1923 and Katherine P., b Oct 19, 1890 m Elmer Mor¬
rill. She has 1 ch, Margaret L., b June 7, 1914; 6, Wm. Harrison, b
Apr 19, 1858 m 1, Viola McAllister, 2, Addie Everett. 2 ch by 1. w _
William Henry, b Nov 22, 1890,— Sol in the World War— d in action
in France May 10, 1918. Gladys Faye, b Oct 11, 1892 m Philip M.
Everett. 3 ch, Donald Philip, b Apr 27, 1911, Louis Henry, b Sept
24, 1918 and William George, b May 24, 1920; 7, Emma Francis, b
Mar 5, 1860 m Geo. A. Wilkins, iset’d in S. Berwick; 8, Anna Maria,
b Oct 23, 1864; 9, Herbert Dana, b 1867 m Addie Marston of Lovell,
res Sweden. 2 ch, Harold and Donald.
Stuart
The Stuarts of N. and Paris are descendants of Duncan Stuart
of Scotland who was connected with the royal family of that name
whose most distinguished member was the beautiful, but unfortunate
Mary Queen of Scots. Duncan who was a shipwright emigrated to
N. E. abt 1656 and set’d at Ipswich, Mass. Three years after, he
516
HISTORY OF NORWAY
removed to Newbury and in 1680 to Rowley, where he d in 1717, very
aged. His w Ann d there in 1729. 10 ch — all but 1. b at Newbury.
Samuel 2, the 9th ch b in 1672 set’d abt 1700 in Wells in the Dist of
Me. He was a house and mill wright. His wife’s name was Dorcas.
They had 6 boys and one girl all b in Wells. Joseph 3, 2d son m 1729
Mary Lord. They went to Berwick, where he d in 1734 aged 27.
They had 2 ch — Capt. Wentworth 3, b 1731 and Dorcas, b 1733 who d
young. The widow m Capt Peter Grant.
Capt. Wentworth m Jan 1753 Susanna Lombard of Gorham b
Truro 1734. They set’d in Gorham, where he was one of its leading
citizens and a rep to the Gen Court at Boston. He was a sol in the
old French and Indian War. At the outbreak of the Rev. he led a Co.
of patriots to Boston and participated in the siege of that city and d
there from small-pox, Apr 17, 1776. His w m Wm Wood. Capt
Stuart had 10 ch — Joseph 4, the 3d ch and oldest son b Apr 3, 1759 m
1779 Hannah Smalley. He was a Sol in the Rev, and a fifer in his
father’s company. Joseph Stuart was lost in a storm at sea off Cape
Ann, Feb 1802. His w d July 1819 aged 61. They had 9 ch — Joseph
5, the oldest son b July 1, 1780 m Nancy Lombard of Gorham, where
3 of their ch were b. They rem to Harrison abt 1812 where 10 other
ch were b. Samuel, the 2d ch and oldest son b Gorham Apr 9, 1809
m Apr 1832 Hannah D. Hall of Harrison. They lived at Stuart’s
Corner near Crooked river. He was a worthy citizen; noted for his
public spirit and devotion to the cause of temperance and moral
reform. He ro'Se to a captaincy in the militia. His w d Dec 24, 1868.
He d Oct 3, 1888. They had 4 ch — Albert Hall, the oldest, b Jan 4,
1833 m Nov 1863 Hannah Towne, b Nov 28, 1838. They set’d on a
farm in Yagger where he d Mar 25, 1897. For many years he had
been a traveling salesman. She d Dec 29, 1904. ch — 1, Cora E., b
Feb 20, 1866 m Merritt Welch; 2, Inez M., b May 2, 1868 m Geo. I.
Cummings; 3, Albert Osmond, b June 4, 1872 m Georgia Mayo — d
Feb 9, 1906.
Joshua B. Stuart, son of Joseph 5, b Gorham Mar 14, 1814 m
Caroline Hicks of Norway b Greenwood 1816. He was a blacksmith
by trade. The family resided in Norway when the U. S. census of
1850 was taken. The youngest was b here, also the oldest. The 2d
ch was b in Otisfield, and the other 5 in Harrison. The mother d in
Norway Feb 8, 1853. The father d in Deering Mar 11, 1897. ch — 1,
Frances Ellen, b May 9, 1836 m George Robbins of Casco; 2, Abby
M., b Nov 27, 1837 m Charles Johnson — set’d in Deering; 3, Talbot
G., b June 9, 1840 — a Sol in Civil War — d in Waterford; 4, Martha
C., b Aug 18, 1841 m Converse Robinson, set’d in Cambridge, Mass;
5, Grinfil B., b Dec 30, 1845 m Kate Barker. Civil War sol in 13th
Me., set’d at So. Paris, d sev years ago; 6, Whitfield, b Dec 30, 1845
m Clara Knight. He was a Civil War sol in 13th Me. — set’d at So.
Paris, recently d; 7, Henry W., b Feb 17, 1848 m Mary E. Bennett —
set’d in Portland; 8, Lydia J ., b Oct 25, 1850 d in infancy.
Qeorge W. Stuart, youngest son of Joseph 5 and Nancy (Lom¬
bard) Stuart b Mar 21, 1816 m Mary Ann Sargent of Otisfield b Jan
2, 1824. 6 ch — 1, Lafayette, b June 30, 1847 d Gorham, N. H. 1861; 2,
Juliette, b Nov 18, 1848 m H. H. Knapp, set’d in Port Orange, Fla;
HISTORY OF NORWAY
517
3, Win. A., b Apr 25, 1851 m Eveline Ward — d at Gorham, N. H. 1876;
4, Flora A., b June 9, 1853 m 1. Walter B. Higgins of Bangor, 2. Wml
B. Kendall of Bethel, 3. Frank Stearns of Waterford. 5, Joseph
Henry, b Sept 30, 1855 m 1873 Mary C. Whitman,— res So. Paris; 6,
Frederick G., b Nov 24, 1857— res Sea Breeze, Fla.
Esther, dau of Joseph 5 b Feb 20, 1817 m 1838 Isaiah Bonney, 6
ch. Achsah, sister of the preceding b Feb 20, 1819 m 1842 John D.
Burbank of Gorham, N. H. He was a leading citizen there for many
years and represented the town in the legislature. Mrs. B. was an
exemplary wife and mother. She taught school before her m with
great success.
Joseph Henry Stuart m Mary C. daughter of John and Sarah
DeAlbra (Bumpus) Whitman. They set’d at South Paris. For
many years he has been a civil engineer and publisher of atlases and
maps. 4 ch— 1, Herman H., b Jan 20, 1880 m Blanche Gould of Me
Falls. Teacher and school supt — res Melrose, Mass; 2, Wm. E., b
Aug 26, 1881 m Wilmer Woodman of Westbrook. High sch teacher
and supt; 3, Grace Mary, b June 16, 1885 m Fred S. Brown;
4, Leona, b Feb 16, 1889 m Clinton W. Areson, Bridgeport, Conn.
Swan
John Swan, the Eng. ancestor who emigrated to America, “was
a servant in the family of Mr. Thomas Bittlestone.’’ He m Rebecca
Palfrey, and had a grant of land in Cambridge, Mass of 20 acres. Of
their ch was Gershom 2, who m Sarah Holden. John 3, their son
m Elizabeth - . William 4, their son b Cambridge Sept 4, 1737,
m Lucy Robbins. He was a Rev. Sol. and was granted a pension.
After the war he set’d in Paris, but later removed to Woodstock.
William Jr 5, the first son and 2d ch b July 3, 1763 m Bethiah Pratt.
They had 10 ch. b in Paris and Woodstock. Oliver 6, 2. son and ch b
Jan 15, 1797 m Rhoda Bryant, b Oct 29, 1798—9 ch. He d in Paris.
Fessenden 7, b July 3, 1820 m Helen M. Crockett, dau of Daniel H.
and Rebecca (Bacon) Crockett b Apr 25, 1822. He was a Civ War
sol. Of their dh was Jonas W., b W. Mar 13, 1844. He m Apr 7,
1865, Rowena M. dau of John E. Farwell of Bethel, b Aug 12, 1842.
They came to Norway in 1871. Rowena M. (Farwell) Swan was a
descendant of Absolom Farwell (Farewell as it was anciently spelled)
who was an English sailor and soldier. He set’d first at Marblehead,
Mass and was a Rev. Sol, who after the war came to Maine and set’d
at Bethel. William 2, the oldest of 8 ch b 1788 m Mary dau of John
Estes. They had 7 ch. John Estes 3, the oldest m 1838 Betsey Howe
of Waterford. She d in 1882 and he m 2. Althea Robertson but had
no ch by her. 7 ch — Rowena Melvina, was the first dau and 3d ch;
3 ch : — 1, Helen S., b Paris Nov 5, 1866. For many years she was a
school teacher and was post mistress for over 16 years. She is a
very intelligent and capable business woman; 2, Linnie Rowena, b
Greenwood July 4, 1869 m Capt Frank T. Bartlett; 3, Arthur H., b
Norway Jan 14, 1872 m Blanche E. Kimball of Bridgton b.Sept 4,
1873. He graduated at the Norway High Sch and chose a business
career and set’d in Mass. He d in the isummer of 1916 from Bright’s
disease and his remains were brought here and interred in Pine
518
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Grove Cem. He was one of the finest young men ever born in N.
ch: — Dorothy Louise, b Bridgton Aug 15, 1897 and Eric Linscott b
Roxbury, Mass May 22, 1905.
Swett
Capt William Swett of Parsonsfield m Clarissa Benson of Mid-
dleboro, Mass. Of their ch was Col. William Jr., b Otisfield Mar 4,
1804. He m Amy, dau of Sampson and Jane (Ellis) Reed b Hart¬
ford Apr 27, 1805. He lived a period in Buckfield where he was
prominent in town affairs, and member of the State Board of Agr.
He d in Paris past 75 years of age. W d Apr 26, 1880. 4 ch — 1,
Lewis Benson, b Aug 10, 1831 m Harriet Smith; 2, Joan Reed b Aug
28, 1833 m Simon S. Stowell; 3, William Harvey, b May 13, 1836
m Arabella C. Stowell; 4, Harriet C., b May 26, 1840 d Apr 28, 1862
ch of Lewis B. and Harriet (Smith) Swett: — 1, Ella Jane, and 2,
Estelle Frances, b Oct 11, 1858 — latter d Aug 20, 1863; 3, Carrie Ben¬
son, b June 12, 1861; 4, Alice Belle, b Feb 23, 1865; 5, Wm Whitman,
b Nov 13, 1867. — ch of Wm. H. and Arabella C. Swett — 1, Arthur
Melville, b Apr 22, 1857 m Lydia F. Holmes, 1. ch Ernest Holmes, b
May 31, 1883; 2, Walter Harvey, b Dec 6, 1859; 3, Julia Smiley, b
Apr 10, 1861 d Nov 27, 1868; 4, Eugene Newhall, b Aug 13, 1866
m Carrie E. Huntington of E. Brighton, Vt. Mr. Swett has run the
largest boot and shoe store in this section of the county for many
years. Has served as town treasurer of Norway, member of the sch
board, etc — and dea of the Congo, ch. 1 ch — Francis H., b Nov 13,
1893, — grad Norway high school 1912; Bates Coll 1916, in great
World War, deg A.B. at Bates, A.M. from Brown, Ph.D., Yale,
and teacher of Anatomy at Johns Hopkins Med School, Baltimore, Md.
Symonds
Francis Symonds, b abt 1835 m Martha Jane, dau of William and
Almira (Pike) Hall, b July 27, 1838. He d abt 1900. ch — Wm. C., a
farmer, Irving P., a farmer and vet. sur who m Florence M. Meserve;
Martha F., Emma, m Frank Noble, who d and she m 2. Frank S.
Packard; Rose, m 1898 Horace E. Tribou of Machias, and Grace R.
Thompson
The New England Thompsons are descendants of an ancient
English race, which had authority to bear a coat of arms. Among
the distinguished persons of the family name were James Thomson
author of “The Seasons,” and Daniel Pierce Thompson a noted lawyer
of Montpelier, Vt. b in Mass, who wrote “The Green Mountain Boys”
(1840) and “The Rangers” (1850).
Edward Thompson came over in the Mayflower in 1620 and died
in Cape Cod harbor Dec 14, and was the first of the Pilgrim band to
be buried in the New World.
John Thompson, from England came to Plymouth before 1645.
That year he married Mary, dau of Francis Cooke one of the May¬
flower Pilgrims and a member of the first Pilgrim church society at
Scrooby, England. She was the youngest of the family b in 1626.
From this couple have descended the principal families of the name
in New England.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
519
Dr. Albert Thompson, b on a farm in Berlin, N. H., Feb 28, 1839
was one of seven ch of Benjamin and Sarah (Wheeler) Thompson.
His father was a farmer and lumberman and operated a saw mill.
He removed to Stark, N. H., where the son working in his father’s,
mill, received a serious injury which maimed him for life. He m
Mary E., dau of Capt. Jonathan Blake, a cultured and lovable lady.
Dr. Thompson d in Philadelphia, Pa., Apr 24, 1921. His wid (Dec
1, 1923) survives him. — 2 ch: 1, Frank Elmer, b Norway 1861 d at
the Cumberland, Md. hospital 1897. He graduated from Dartmouth
in 1882 and was afterwards associated with his father in business for
which he showed marked ability and promise of a great career. Like
his father he was of sterling integrity and worth, being very popular
with his associates and given to great charities. His untimely death
was a great and sad blow to the family. 2, S. Maude, b Stark, N. H.,
1874 was educated in the public schools of Ridgeway, Pa.; she entered
the N. E. Conservatory of Music in Boston where she graduated in
1895. After a period of study in Europe, she returned to teach as
assistant at the Conservatory. Miss Thompson m in Philadelphia,
Nov 29, 1918, Gustav Kaemmerling, Rear Admiral U. S. Navy.
Gustav Kaemmerling, born Cincinnati, Ohio, May 15, 1858, of a
German father and Swiss mother. His father of the same name took
active part in the revolution in Germany in 1848, was blacklisted for
many years on this account and fled from Germany to America. He
took a conspicuous part in the Civil War, being in command of the
9th Ohio Vols. which gained distinction at Mill Springs, Chickaniauga,
and numerous other battles, attracting special attention on account
of repeated successful bayonet charges.
Gustav received his early education in public schools in Indiana,
which was later supplemented by the High Schools of Cincinnati and
St. Louis. He entered the Naval Academy in 1877 — appointments
being given as a result of successful competition and was graduated,
second in his class, in 1881.
At the outbreak of Spanish-American War he was stationed on
the U. S. S. “Monocacy” in China, and, immediately before the fleet
proceeded to the Philippines, was transferred to the “Olympia” the
flagship, by orders of Admiral Dewey. Participated in the battle of
Manila Bay and afterwards was ordered to take charge of the en¬
gineering plant of the Cavite Navy Yard, which was taken from the
Spanish for the purpose of making repairs for Admiral Dewey’s fleet.
On his return, was assigned to duties having to do with designing,
testing, and construction of naval machinery at various places, being
stationed at New York and Camden, N. J., during the World War.
He attained the rank of Rear Admiral during the war and reached
the retiring age in 1922. Two sons by a former marriage, graduates
of Harvard, obtaining their degrees in three years, were officers in
the World War, doing service abroad. The elder, Gustav Henry,
was in the aviation branch of the Marine Corps. The younger, Gor¬
don, while in command of a machine gun company, 23rd Regt, 2d Div.
U. S. Army, was killed in action at Chateau Thierry, June 6, 1918.
520
HISTORY OF NORWAY
John Thompson of Rumford was a prominent man in that town.
Two of his ch set’d in Norway and died here. Belinda, b abt 1827 m
Gen. George L. Beal. She d in Feb 1897, She was a most estimable
lady. Her brother, Charles, b abt 1837 came here and entered the
Advertiser office as a printer. On the breaking out of the Civ. War
he enlisted in the Norway Co. of the 1st Me. He served also in the
10th and 29th Me. as Quar. Sergt. with the rank of Lieut. Dis¬
charged for disability in May, 1865, he came back to Norway and d
Oct 5, 1866 and is buried in Pine Grove, in the Gen. Beal family lot.
* Towne
Daniel, Peter Jr., Amos and Joel Towne, all of Andover, Mass.,
came to Norway between 1802 and 1816. They were sons of Peter,
sen. Peter Jr. was the oldest, b 1777, m Sarah Kimball of A. b 1786,
d Aug 10, 1845 — 11 ch: Betsey K., b Jan 16, 1824 m Newton Swift,
who was a trader after his father Jonathan’s death at N. Norway.
Ansel, b May 20, 1808 m 1833 Julia H., dau of Jeremiah Hobbs Jr.
They lived and d in Yagger — 6 ch: 1, Osmond, b Oct 18, 1835 m
Eunice C. Whitehouse. He enlisted in Co. B, 32d Me. Regt, and d at
City Point, Va., June 25, 1864. She m 2. Frank P. Putnam. 2, Hannah
b Nov 28, 1838 m 1864 Albert H. Stuart. 3, Amos Kendall, b May 14,
1844 m 1871 Charlotte M. Green, set’d at Rumford Falls — 1 ch, Mabel,
m Thomas Hanley of Berlin, N. H. 4, Harriet E., b Jan 27, 1849 m
1873, 1. J. Birney Bradbury, 2. Frank D. Briggs. She d and he m Mary
(Jones) Lasselle. Frank Briggs d abt 1920. 5, Franklin Pierce, b
Oct. 12, 1852 m 1876 Emma L. Walker. Lived on old homestead. He d
July 2, 1918 — 3 ch: Bessie B., b Aug 8, 1876 m William Delano — d Aug
8, 1917; Albert A., b July 11, 1878 m Floy A. Appleby — set’d in Ash¬
land, Aroostook Co., but ret to N. in 1919. He is a prosperous farmer,
mem of school board and has been a teacher and rep to the legisla¬
ture — 3 ch, Franklin Appleby, b 1907, Bertha Edna, b 1909 and Os¬
mond, b 1911. 3. Kate N., b Sept 9, 1879 m Carroll Delano — ch:
Don Albert.
Daniel Towne was b Jan 8, 1787. He m Susan Gurney b Minot,
Nov 3, 1791. He was a blacksmith and set’d at Fuller’s Corner.
They had 8 ch. Fanny the 2d b May 17, 1816 m Perry D. Judkins,
who later was a blacksmith at the Corner. Rollin, the 7th ch b Feb
17, 1829 m Nancy J. Hayes. They lived and d on the old homestead
near Fuller’s Corner. — 6 ch: 1, Charles H., b July 26, 1854 m 1883
Lillian Barstow — set’d in Mass.; 2, George R., b July 20, 1855, d
May 9, 1881; 3, Carrie /., b Dec 31, 1858 m 1878 Sam’l J. Caldwell,
set’d in Paris; 4, Fanny E., b Mar 1862 m 1881 Horace G. Dinsmore;
5, Willie, b Aug 3, 1864 m and set’d in Lewiston; 6, Emma E., b Feb
26, 1867 m Gilbert A. Upton, set’d in Cal.
True
The N. E. Trues are descendants of the English Puritan, Henry
True, who came to America in 1644 and set’d at Salem, Mass. A True
Genealogy was in preparation in the seventies and probably printed,
containing abt 8000 names and ten generations more or less complete
HISTORY OF NORWAY
521
from the immigrant, but it has not come under the notice of the
author of this history.
Clark P True was b in Sutton, Vt., July 4, 1823. He came to
.Norway with the Denisons and was in trade here for many years. He
m 1852 Sarah E. dau of Dr. Asa Danforth. He d Mar 4, 1868. She
d July 17, 1894 — 4 ch: 1, Nellie A., b Mar 23, 1853 m Dr Wm H
Jewett. He d Mar 9, 1880. She d Dec 21, 1899— no ch. 2 Asa
Danforth, b June 3, 1857 m Carrie B. Swett of Paris. He d Mar 3,
FRANK T. TRUE ANNA C. TRUE
1893—1 ch, Harley Danforth, b May 7, 1890 m 1911 Mildred O. Scrib¬
ner. 3, Frank Thomas, b Dec 8, 1861 m Anna J. Chamberlain at
Council Bluffs, Iowa. He is a grad of Norway bigh sch, town treas
in Norway — resigned and went West, city treas. of Council Bluffs
from time he went there to his death in 1922. He was an exemplary
young man — no ch.
James Clark, b Jan 29, 1866 m Mary E. Grant. He is book¬
keeper at the Carroll-Jellerson shoe factory — 5 ch: 1, Clark G., b Nov
29, 1886 m 1910 Lelia A. Edwards of Oxford — 3 ch, Stanley Ed¬
wards, Clark Danforth, and Malcolm Seiders. 2, Frank, b May 17,
1888 d young. 3, Sarah Elizabeth, b July 20, 1894. 4, Marian, b
July 15, 1896 m Clayton E. Heath— res Boston. 5, Stanley Francis
b Jan 10, 1901.
Tubbs
Jacob Tubbs, the first settler of the name in Norway came from
the old colony of Mass to Maine after the Rev in which he was a sol
from Pembroke. He m Jemima Churchill and lived in Hebron for a
period before removing to Norway abt 1795. He was the first to pur¬
chase a lot on the Lee’s Grant. He had 6 ch all born before 1795.
The oldest, Jacob Jr., d in Vt. in the War of 1812-15. Charles m
Lydia Churchill, Angier m Philena Packard of Hebron, Sally m
Daniel Knight Jr., Hannah m Josiah Bartlett Jr., and Samuel, b 1793
m Mary Pool and set’d in Abbot where his father and his family
died leaving no heirs.
522
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Angier, b Hebron Jan 18, 1785 m Philena Packard b 1790. He
lived with his son Jacob, d Dec 30, 1864. His w d Mar 7, 1857 — 9 ch:
1, James, b Jan 5, 1809 m Hannah J. Wentworth. 2, Eunice, b Dec
10, 1810. 3, Charles, b June 1, 1812 m Mary F. Young— set’d in
Bethel. 4, Jacob, b June 28, 1814 m Christina Bird. 5, Philena, b
Sept 25, 1816 m Asaph Bird. 6, Mary Ann, b Sept 9, 1819 d Feb 4,
1821. 7, Orin, b Feb 12, 1822 m Elizabeth P. Horr — set’d in Gorham,
N. H. 8, Mary Ann, b Nov 27, 1828 m Wra. P. Buck. 9, Nathan
Newell, b Mar 30, 1831 d Oct 19, 1859.
James Tubbs, oldest ch of Jacob the Rev Sol m Hannah J. Went¬
worth. For many yrs they resided at Gorham, N. H., where he and
his son Charles Newell, were in trade. They came back to Norway
in 1873 and engaged in trade in a store near the shoe factory.
He d Oct 26, 1884; wid surv many yrs. — 2 ch — only one, Charles
Newell, b Aug 27, 1837 survived infancy. He m 1. Abbie Jane
Crockett. 2. Leona G. (Brackett) Kilgore. Mr. Tubbs was b in a
log house on a lot running down into the lake from the Noble school
house, which bis father cleared up and sold. He has been very
successful in business and acquired a handsome property. For many
years, has been connected with the business interests of Norway, and
is vice pres of the Norway Nat’l Bank corp. and a trustee of the
Norway Sav. Bank— 4 ch, all by 1. w: 1, Inez M., b July 14, 1875 m
Clarence M. Wiltsie — no ch; res Newbury, N. Y. 2, James N., b Sept
8, 1880 m Blanche E. Groves — 2 daus, b July 6, 1911 and Dec 18, 1915.
3, Idonia C., b Mar 30, 1882. 4, Oscar J., b Mar 8, 1886.
Jacob Tubbs, Jr, m Christina Bird dau of John Jr b Dec 1, 1819.
He d Dec 4, 1886. She d Dec 28, 1873 — 1 ch: Elhanan B., b 1847 m
Hattie Richardson, b Apr 21, 1854. He d Apr 1918 “aged 71.” Wid
resides in Portland with her son, Elhanan Bertrand. — 6 ch: 1, Chris¬
tina Bird, b July 11, 1873 m Fred H. Noble. 2, George Tilton, b June
18, 1876 m Frances Sparrow — no ch. 3, Elhanan B., b Sept 29,
1878 m Belle Harriman. She d.— 3 ch: Bertrand, d young, Gladys
Evelyn, b June 18, 1907 and Philip Theodore, b Feb 14, 1909 — res
Portland. 4, Carl A., b Dec 31, 1880 m 1906, Angie M. Ripley— d Oct
1914 — no ch. 5, Walter Frederick, b May 29, 1882 m 1907 Ada L.,
dau of Wm. M. and Gertrude (Upton) Russell, b Nov 29, 1886;
3 ch : Virginia R., b July 20, 1909, Norman C., b Mar 20, 1911, and
Orrington W., b Oct 16, 1913. 6, Tina Calista, b Mar 22, 1883, m G.
Frank Barron, Norwood, Ohio — 1 ch, Francis Carlton, b Oct 5, 1921.
George E. Tubbs, son of Orin, b Gorham, N. H., 1851 m Izah I.
Millett — clerk, merchant, treas’r Norway Sav Bank, etc. He d Sept
23, 1909, aged 58. Wid resides at Old Orchard — 2 ch: Homer D., m
Flora C. Wheeler of Phillips and Dorothy H., m Russell W. Davis
of Portland.
Tucker
The Tuckers of Norway claim their descent from John who came
from Normandy in 1066 with William the Conqueror and fought at
Hastings, Oct 14 of that year. He was granted a coat of arms and
was given the estate of Tavistock in Devon. He married the widow
of the Saxon proprietor. The next of the name in the line of descent
HISTORY OF NORWAY
523
appeals in William of Thornby in Devon in the sixteenth century.
He m Josea Ashe and had 4 oh. The oldest, George, a man of note,
m Maria Hunter, Queen Elizabeth conveyed a manor to him in
1572. George the oldest of 7 ch m Elizabeth Stoughton. They had
one son, George. She d; m 2. Maria Darrett and had 7 more ch:
Robert, of the 2. wife’s ch, b 1604, bap June 7 of that year in
the ancient church at “Milton near Gravesend,” came to America
and was at Weymouth aibt 1635. He finally set’d in Milton and d
at Brush Hill, Mar 11, 1682 aged 78. He had been clerk several
years and a member of the Gen Court. His w was Elizabeth Allen
and they had 9 ch : James, b 1640, m Rebecca Tolman of Dorchester
and had 6 eh — d in 1718 aged 78. James, b in Milton 1680 m 1707
Sarah Baker of Dedham — 9 ch. He d in 1750 aged 71 and she in 1756
aged 74. Jeremiah, b 1713 m 1738 Mary Wadsworth. He d in 1775
aged 62. She d in 1766 aged 40 — 11 ch. The third ch and oldest son
Benjamin, b in Milton 1744, m 1766 Jane Babcock. They removed to
Stoughton, now Canton, where he was a dea of the Cong Oh for over
50 yrs — 9 ch. Benjamin the 5th ch, b in Canton, Sept 20, 1776, went
to Worcester at the age of 14 and was apprenticed during his minor¬
ity to his oldest brother Enos, as a saddler and harness maker. Came
to Norway in May 1801 and began business for himself. He m 1803
Mary Pike, dau of John of Pike’s Hill. He first saw her on his first
trip to Norway. He was riding on horseback and in coming over
Pike’s Hill stopped to water his horse and get a drink himself of the
cool liquid from the well at the Pike place. She drew the water from
the well as Maud Muller in Whittier’s poem had dipped it “from the
spring that flowed through the meadows across the road,” and per¬
haps remarked something like this:
‘‘Thanks, he said, a sweeter draught,
From fairer hand, was never quaffed.”
He was very successful in the business he had established. A
great-grandson istill carries it on in the village. He d Oct 27, 1857.
His w d Oct 5, 1859 — 15 ch, 9 of whom d in infancy. 2, Benj. Jr.,
b Apr 1, 1805 m Sarah Millett; 4, John, b Mar 26, 1809 m 1842
Emeline Tuttle— 2 ch. He d Mar 31, 1881 wid d Apr 11, 1883. 5,
Jane, b Apr 12, 1811 m 1830 Mark P. Smith. 8, Mary, b June 17,
1817 m 1837 Jeremiah Howe. 12, Rosilla C., b June 12, 1828 m
Elisha F. Morgan — set’d in New Gloucester. 15, Luther P., b Jan 17,
1832 m 1. Georgianna S. Manning, 2. Marian E. Dick — one male
descendant, Fred Manning, a graduate of Harvard Univ. — in business
in Boston.
Benjamin Tucker Jr. m 1829 Sarah, dau of John Millett Jr., b
July 27, 1808. He served on the board of selectmen and represented
the town in the legislature. He d Mar 2, 1876. His w d Oct 14,
1869 — 9 ch: 1, Benjamin, b Buckfield Mar 11, 1831 m 1. Hannah E.
Merrill, 2. Ellen Marston. 2, Sarah Melissa, b Nov 17, 1832 d unm
Mar 6, 1866. 3, Charles Henry, b Sept 12, 1834 d May 28, 1835.
4, William, b Mar 25, 1836 m Augusta M. Boise — res Skowhegan.
5, Angelia, b Dec 17, 1838 m James M. Favor. 6, Cyrus Shaw, b Oct
11, 1841 m Kate S. Denison, 2. Georgia A. Nelson of Waterford. 7,
524
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Henry, b Mar 27, 1843 m 1. Emma Statmaker, 2, Julia L. Merriam,
res Logansport, Ind., d May 1922. 8, Albert Eugene, b Oct 4, 1846
d June 7, 1849. 9, Mary Alice, b June 24, 1850 m Frank S. Oxnard—
2 ch ; George Leon, b Nov 14, 1875 d July 18, 1876, and Horace Whit¬
comb, b June 4, 1878.
Benjamin Tucker 3d, m 1858 Hannah E. Merrill, b Gray Nov 15,
1835. Lived for some 15 yrs in Waterford. Finally set’d near Nor¬
way Lake vill, on one of the best farms in town, where he spent the
last years of his life. His w d Feb 13, 1901 and he m 2. Mrs. Ellen
(Lovering) Marston. He d Apr 14, 1919 — 6 ch, all by 1. w; 1,
Fanny M., b Nov 9, 1858 d Jan 12, 1901. 2, Frank L., b Sept 24,
1860 d Jan 22, 1905. 3, Ada H., b June 3, 1862 m Rev Edwin B.
Stiles, of New York City. In India as missionary for several yrs.
She was a successful school teacher before marriage and a very in¬
telligent lady. 4, Arthur, b Aug 30, 1868 m Effie M. Marston— a
farmer and canning factory supt, resides on the old homestead since
father’s death. 5, Alton B., b Nov 4, 1871. 6, Wilbur M., b July 30,
1874 m Alice B. Watson, ch — Wesley E.; Ralph B.; Benjamin and
Clarence.
Cyrus Shaw Tucker, m 1. Kate S. Denison. She d Mar 14, 1875;
m 1876 Georgia A. Nelson. He carried on the harness making busi¬
ness established by his grandfather. Was town treas from 1879 to
his death Oct 31, 1899; 3 ch by 1. w: 1, Kate, b Dec 7, 1869 d July 2,
1876; 2, Carrie, b Sept 1, 1871; and Agnes, b Mar 3, 1875 d Mar
20, 1915.
Upton
The first one of the Upton name to settle in N. E. was John Upton,
who tradition states was a Scotchman, and whose wife was Eleanor
Stuart, a distant relative of the royal Stuarts of Scotland. The
English Uptons trace their ancestry to a John who came from Nor¬
mandy to England with William the Conqueror. What connection
these two Upton races have, if any, does not appear. This Scottish
John set’d in that part of Salem, now Danvers, Mass., abt 1652. He
was not admitted to citizenship till 1691 after the Revolution in Eng¬
land, which made William and Mary rulers of the kingdom, for the
reason that he was of the Scotch Presbyterian church, to which he
adhered as long as he lived. About 1678 the family removed to what
was later North Reading. He d July 11, 1699 “at a little more than
70.’’ The seal upon his will made abt 18 mos before his death was a
fleur de lys, an emblem of the Stuart rulers. His w Eleanor survived
him. They had 13 ch, all prob b in Danvers. Samuel, the 7th ch b
Oct 1664 m 1703 Abigail Frost — sup to have d in 1743. No record
of wife’s death— 10 ch (names on church register). Dea. Amos, bap
Oct 20, 1717 m Sarah Bickford 1739, dau of John Bickford of Salem,
res No. Reading. He d Sept 1781. His wid surv him— 9 ch. The
sons were Amos, Benjamin, Nathaniel and John. All but Benjamin
came to Norway. Amos, b Oct 3, 1742 m 1. Edith Upton, 2. Joanna
Bruce, 3. Hannah Haskell. He was a Rev Sol and participated
in the battle of Bunker Hill. Came to Norway soon after the
census of 1790 was taken here. He d Apr 13, 1838 in his 96th yr,
and was buried in a field on the road from Waterford stage road to
HISTORY OF NORWAY
525
the Chapel. A gov’t stone procured by the author, marks his grave,
ch — 1, Edith, b Sept 9, 1768. 2, Francis, b Feb 24, 1772 m Sarah
Bancroft, set’d in Albany, d 1836. 3, Amos, b Aug 31, 1776 m 1.
Deborah (Coville) Frost, 2. Sally (Swift) Wing. He d Jan 31, 1842.
ch: Ebenezer, b Dec 15, 1808 m Mercy J. Marble; Mary J ., b July 26,
1810, d Oct 31, 1836; Henry, b Feb 6, 1813 m 1847 Harriet F. Baker
of Waterford — ch, Jennie Irene, b Feb 20, 1848 d unm Mar 12, 1884.
He d Sept 5, 1892. Elijah, b Aug 6, 1815 m Mary Foye of Bath.
Editor and publisher. One of his ch, a son, Frederick E., was an
officer in the U. S. Navy, and a grad of U. S. Naval Acad. Amos,
half bro of Elijah by 2. m b Apr 17, 1817 m Sarah Marston and lived
in Albany and Waterford. Lydia, sister of Amos, b Apr 12, 1819 m
and set’d in Mass. — d 1846. 5, Hannah m Silas Merriam.
Micah, 3d son of Amos, the Rev Sol, set’d on Upton Ridge near
Greenwood line. Became a very prosperous farmer. Had the best
farm in his section of the town. He m 1. Polly Patch, 2. Mary Cord-
well. His 1. w d Dec 10, 1810. He d at the great age of nearly 100.
7 ch: 1, Uriah Holt, b May 31, 1813 m 1843 Isannah C. Noble. He
grad at Kent’s Hill Sem and was an exemplary citizen, thrifty farmer,
school officer and church member. He d Jan 23, 1895. His w d Jan
2, 1891. 2, Polly Patch, b Sept 13, 1815 m 1843 James C. Bennett.
3, Aurelia, b Oct 24, 1817 m 1841 Wm. C. Pearce. 4, Harriet N., b
Aug 25, 1819 m 1843, Simon Stevens. 5, Wm. B., b Feb 17, 1822 m
Rebecca C. Gurney. He d Oct 3, 1852, w d Aug 3, 1852 — ch: Emily
F., b Oct 4, 1850 m Azro E. Delano. 6, Amelia W ’., b Mar 17, 1824
d Sept 17, 1858. 7, Susannah, b May 28, 1826, d Oct 19, 1827.
Ch of Uriah Holt Upton— 1, Etta A., b Nov 27, 1844 d Aug 10,
1846. 2, Ella A., b Apr 24, 1847 m 1868 Amos T. Hall. She d May
4, 1873 — 2 ch, Wm. Fremont, and Edith M. 3, Wayland S., b Mar 8,
1849 d Aug 4, 1850. 4, Emma J., b Apr 8, 1851 m 1872 Joshua W.
Crouse of Washburn, Me. 5, Olin B., b Dec 11, 1852 m Emma M.
Swift. 6, Emily F., b Oct 20, 1854. 7, Wm. Fremont, b Oct 3, 1856
d June 16, 1864. 8, Gilbert A., b Jan 8, 1860 m Emma E. Towne,
set’d in Cal. 9, Gertrude L., b Mar 30, 1863 m Wm. M. Russell.
10, Minnie L., b Oct 20, 1867 — res Mass., unm.
Olin B. Upton is a prosperous farmer and lives on the old home¬
stead on Upton Ridge. — ch : Carl F., m Florence B. Baker, Ross L.,
Roy G., Eva M., Ethel F., Minnie L. m Arthur Herrick, and
Wayland S.
David Upton 4, Joseph 3, John 2, John 1, b 1734 m Elizabeth
Wilkins of Middleton — res North Reading, Mass. They lived in
Norway for a period. Had at least 3 ch — 1, David, b abt 1765 was
a Sol in the Rev. and came to Norway in 1798. Nothing is known
of his family. 2, Sally, b 1767 m 1791 John Henley of Reading, a
Rev Sol who set’d in Norway. 3, Hannah, b 1769 m 1800, Hezekiah
Mclntire of Reading. They set’d in Norway.
Virgin
Ebenezer Virgin came from England in 1722 and m Mary
Chandler of Andover and finally set’d in Concord, N. H. His son
Ebenezer Jr., m Dorcas Lovejoy and was probably a Rev Sol. Their
526
HISTORY OF NORWAY
son, Peter Chandler, b July 23, 1783, set’d in Rumford, m Sarah L.
Keyes and became one of the most prominent lawyers of the county —
6 ch: 1, Mary C. L. m Otis C. Bolster of Paris; 2, Patrick Henry, m
Lavina Bean; 3, Joseph W., d young; 4, William Wirt; 5, Theodore
F., and 6, Dorcas C., m James Dingley Jr. of Auburn.
Hon. Wm. Wirt Virgin, b R. Sept 18, 1823 m 1851 Sarah H., dau
of Horatio G. and Pamelia (Stowell) Cole. He was Maj. Gen. in the
militia at the breaking out of the Civil War, Col of the 23rd Me.,
leading lawyer of his time at the Oxford Bar and an associate justice
of the supreme judicial court of Maine — d in office in 1893. Wid d
in Portland July 1, 1920. — 1 ch: Hon. Harry Rust, b N. Aug 25, 1854,
grad of Tufts, lawyer, member of state senate and president of that
body. He m Emma Harwood — res Portland — no ch.
Walker
Orin Walker, enlisted from Stoneham in Co. K 20th Me. in the
Civil War, Aug 1862. He was on Little Round Top at Gettysburg
July 2, 1863 and was wounded there. He was afterwards pensioned.
The Adjutant General’s Reports for 1864-5 state in one place that he
was discharged from the service, and in another that he was buried
in “No. 4, Sec E’’ of the Nat. Cem. there, and the report of the com¬
mission on the dedication of the Maine monuments on that field in
1889, says in the “Revised list of Casualties’’ for Co. K 20th Me.,
“Orin Walker, w’d, died at Gettysburg.” Happily all this is an error.
Orin Walker returned to his home in Stoneham and removed to Nor¬
way. He d June 2, 1882, and was b Sept 6, 1823, his gravestone
states. His w was Salome Ann Durgin. She survived her husband
over thirty yrs, dying Apr 19, 1913. — ch: Sarah, m John Bumpus;
Emma L., m Frank P. Towne; Ida B., m Alfred W. Whitehouse;
Charles, m Helen S. Logan. He d Mar 12, 1905, aged nearly 54; ch:
Nellie M., Willie L., and Susie M. ; Elbridge G., m 1. a Hill — she d and
he m 2. Flora E. Morse — 2 ch by 1. w: Clarence and Frederick O.
Warren
Richard Warren was one of the Mayflower Pilgrims and a signer
of the Compact of Government, in Provincetown Harbor Nov 21,
1620. It has been stated that his father’s name was Christopher and
his w. Elizabeth. Both came in the Ann in 1623 with five daughters,
and two sons, Joseph and Nathaniel were born to them before the di¬
vision of cattle in 1627. Richard Warren d in 1628 and Nathaniel
Morton, sec of the colony, who knew him, speaking of his death, says :
“He was a useful instrument and during his life bore a deep share in
the difficulties and troubles of this first settlement.” His w was 48 at
his death and lived to be 93 and it was entered on the records that
“having lived a godly life, she came to her grave as a shock of corn
fully ripe.” Goodwin in his Pilgrim Republic states: “and those who
bear this name have in many generations especially honored their
ancestry.
Gen. Joseph Warren, Pres of the Provincial Congress of Mass.,
who fell at Bunker Hill, July 17, 1775, was prob descended from
Richard’s son Joseph, but Gen. James Warren, who succeeded him in
HISTORY OF NORWAY
527
the presidency of that body was the great grandson of Nathaniel,
who m Sarah Walker. Their son, James, m Sarah Doten or Doughty.
James, their son m Penelope Winslow and Gen. James, their son m
Mercy Otis, dau of James Otis the famous orator and Rev. Patriot.
Wm. H. Warren, b Hiram Sept 17, 1829 m Bethiah Wadsworth,
b Dec 23, 1836. He was a descendant of Richard the Pilgrim, but
from which son has not yet been ascertained by his family. His
father was Nathaniel who m Mercy Sanborn. His grandfather Col.
John who m Susan Adams of Gorham, a Rev Sol. He m Margaret
Haines. Of him the History of Gorham states: “Nathaniel Warren,
son of Peter, was born in Tuftonboro, N. H., from which place he
came to Gorham. His w was Margaret Haines. He had a son,
John, b Oct 12, 1786, who m Jan 4, 1806, Susan, dau of William
Adams. Nathaniel Warren moved to Hiram where he d Aug 4,
1819.” Wm. H. Warren was landlord of the Beal’s Hotel for a
period in the eighties. He d May 17, 1891. Wid d in 1923 in her
8<th year 4 eh: 1, Alice E., b Jan 2, 1857 m George A. Brooks. 2,
May Benton, b Aug, 1863 d July 1867. 3, Jessie Moss, b Jan 16, 1868
d Dec 6, 1914. 4, Ambrose Benton, b Oct 14, 1876 m Lora Chapman,
b May 24, 1904. He is a grad of Colby, and a teacher in the Boston
School Mechanic Arts.
Watson
Eliphalet Watson, b in Newbury, Mass. June 1, 1717, was the
5th settler that came to Gorham, Maine. He was the son of Ebenezer
and Martha (Rollins) Watson of Newbury. He joined the church in
Falmouth in 1739. Ebenezer Watson was the son of John and Ruth
(Griffin) Watson, b in Amesbury, Mass, in 1687.
Eliphalet m Elizabeth Phinney, dau of Capt. John and Martha
(Colman) Phinney the first settlers of Gorham. Eliphalet and
family remained in town during the French and Indian War, and
lived in the fort seven yrs. Two ch, Ebenezer and Colman, were b
in the fort. He was chosen dea of the Cong’l ch there abt 1750 and
held several high offices for which he had been chosen. Tradition
states that those settlers endured great hardships and that Elizabeth
Watson was one who showed great courage through it all. At one
time while living in the fort, and the men being away at work, leaving
the women and eh to guard the place, the Indians attacked the stock¬
ade and tried to set fire to it, but were prevented by the women from
doing it. It was soap-making day, and one of them caught up a
dipper of the boiling hot soap and threw it out on to the savages
which proved a very good way of getting rid of them that day. On
another occasion, the young boys who had been watching on stumps
and boulders, while their fathers were at work in the field ahead,
started for the garrison house when the labor of the day was over and
were attacked by a party of Indians in ambush, but beat them off
without one of the boys being injured, while several of the savages
were killed or seriously hurt. The victory of the boys and safety of the
garrison was the subject of prayers that night. Eliphalet Watson was
a good citizen, a pious Christian and an exemplary husband and
father. If he had lived in England at that time, there is no doubt that
528
HISTORY OF NORWAY
he would have been one of Cromwell’s “Ironsides.” No man of the
little garrison or the town was more certain to do what he considered
his duty. He did not strive to lead, but was always ready for action,
where he thought duty called. He was a good scout and brave as a
lion. His wife too was a real mother in Israel, perfectly fearless,
a good wife, a kind and loving mother, and able to perform her
part in the stirring events of those days. It is a rich inheritance to
have descended from such ancestors. Eliphalet was a Rev Sol and
served in Capt Mayberry’s Co. of Col Eben Francis’s Regt at the
Siege of Boston 1775-6. Eliphalet and his wife Elizabeth had 10
ch. Elizabeth d in Gorham. Eliphalet d in Norway where he had
come to live with his son Daniel, Mar 14, 1812 aged 94 yrs 8 mos,
and is buried in the cem at Norway Center, his grave being marked
with a Rev marker by D. A. R. Ch — John, b Sept 23, 1741; Martha,
b Dec 4, 1743; Susanna, b Feb 1, 1746; Ebenezer, b Sept 28, 1748;
Colman, b Dec 4, 1751; Elizabeth, b Feb 11, 1754; Mary, b July 12,
1756; Eliphalet, b Mar 20, 1759; James, b Aug 3, 1761 and Daniel,
b Oct 11, 1763. Daniel came to Norway abt 1805, was twice m, 1.
to Anna Maxfield, Nov 25, 1789, 2. to Polly Hanscom, June 1, 1803.
Ch — Martha, b Feb 10, 1791; Josiah, b Oct 30, 1793; Hannah, b
Dec 7, 1794, and Daniel, b Oct 27, 1797. By 2. w — Joseph H., b
June 30, 1804 and Ann, b May 1806. Their other ch were Miranda,
Roxanna, Freeman, Warren and Mary.
Daniel Jr., m Lydia K., dau of Benj Clark of Bethel, who with
Nathaniel Segar, were in 1781, captured by the Indians and taken
to Canada where they were kept for abt 16 mos, and suffered great
hardships. He d June 17, 1851. Wid d Oct 5, 1883 at 85. Ch —
1, Almon Ceylon, b May 19, 1826 d Oct 29, 1887; 2, Cordelia, b May
15, 1828, d Mar 10, 1912; 3, Alanson B., b Oct 27, 1829 d Nov 28,
1868; 4, James Henry, b Feb 21, 1832 d June 9, 1871; 5, Susanna
Burbank, b Dec 26, 1833 d Jan 20, 1879; 6, Anna, b July 1, 1836 d
Apr 30, 1857; 7, Eliza Clark, b July 15, 1838 d Nov 27, 1855; 8,
Rowena, b Nov 8, 1841 d Mar 16, 1855.
Almon Ceylon, m Dec 31, 1854 B. Eveline Cushman, who d
Jan 28, 1916. Cordelia, m Amos A. Grover, May 6, 1855. Alanson
B., m Matilda Buck, of Foxcroft, Me. Apr 4, 1856. Susanna B., m
Hezikiah Mason Jan 2, 1861, and James Henry m Lucinda Mason,
1864— no ch.
Alanson and Matilda (Buck) Watson’s ch :—Lelia M., b Oct 17,
1859, unm — ; Daniel Alanson, b Oct 21, 1861 m Alice A. Morrill of
Bethel, June 3, 1893. Ch — Ava Marian, b Mar 21, 1894, m 1914 John
W. Ross. 1 ch — Leslie Francis, b June 21, 1916; Effie Christine,
b Mar 27, 1896, Ralph Carleton, b Jan 17, 1899; Elmer Hazen, b Mar
5, 1901; Ernest Leslie, b June 14, 1906 and Geneva Elinor, b Sept
30, 1909.
Almon Ceylon m B. Eveline Cushman. 2 ch — Lizzie, b Apr 8,
1857 d Mar 31, 1855; Cora Alberta, b Aug 2, 1859; Annie B., b Aug
31, 1861; Lee Mixer, b Mar 12, 1871 d Feb 25, 1914; Cora Alberta,
m Wm Simms of Haverhill, Mass; Annie B., m 1882 Geo W. Verrill
of Glenburn. 2 ch — Iva M., m Wm Pedlow of Lawrence, Mass and
HISTORY OF NORWAY
529
Maud E m Charles H. Spinney of Andover, Mass. Ch— Charles H
Spinney Jr b Oct 14, 1915. Lee M., m 1. Annie Cullinan, 2 ch—
one d in infancy, and Merle drowned in the lake at Norway when abt
16 or 1/ yrs of age, m 2. Mrs. Ella Reed.
JulvTlS26 Ai»« AHbott Grover b in Cumberland
In l on 'fori d l 4’ l8 '7, ch_ Darnel Watson, b Dec 24, 1856 d
Juiy 25, 1863; Frances Anna, b Oct 26, 1859 d Oct 17, 1882- Fred
?{’ bm°i! 14’ 1863 J Florence C-> b SePt 1866— both live unm on
the old homestead.
Hezekiah Grover Mason, b in Mason Mar 28, 1834 d Sept 19
^an 2’ 18®* Susanna Burbank Watson b Dec 26, 1833 d
^J"20, l879' „Ch Luella R ’ b Nov 5’ 1861 J Willard H., b May 8,
864; Betsey B., b Apr 21, 1871. Luella R., m May 4, 1880 Rufus
K. Morrill of Raymond b Oct 10, 1854. ch— Irma E., b Feb 22 1884
Ina Roeberta, b Oct 18, 1888 d Oct 28, 1888. Rufus K. Morrill d
V91J- \Tr E- m DeC 10’ 1901 Charles Paul Roes, b Apr 3,
1878; ch— liaroM L., b May 12, 1902, Kenneth M., b May 16 1905
and Dons M., b Jan 23, 1910. ’
Welch
merritt O. Welch, son of James William, and Margaret Ellen
(Merritt) Welch of Bath, b Augusta, Dec 1, 1864 m Mar 1893 Cora
Edna, dau of Albert H. and Hannah (Towne) Stuart b Feb 20,
1866. For many years he was a dry goods merchant in Norway and
other places. 4 ch— 1, Donald Stuart, b Mar 12, 1894; Marguerite,
b Apr 8, 1895; James William, b Aug 23, 1897 and Alice Marian b
Oct 13, 1900.
Whitcomb
Wm. H. Whitcomb, for many years was a prominent business
man and merchant in Norway. He served several years on the
board of selectmen and was a member of the legislature. He was b
m Bethel, Apr 14, 1840 and m Iva Tenney Hatch of Norway. They
had 3 ch, only one of whom survived infancy. Isabel Hatch, b July
27, 1866 who is in business unm in Oconto, Wis. He d Mar 13, 1907,
the result of a surgical operation. His w had d Sept 1, 1895’. His
parents were Wm A. and Mary A. (Harris) Whitcomb. He d
when his son Wm H. was about ten years old and she m 1853 Wm.
Frost of Norway. The grandparents were Abraham and Sally
(Atherton) Whitcomb of Waterford.
David Whitcomb, b Bolton, Mass 1770 m Mary Eaton and set’d
m Waterford. He worked in a saw-mill, where he was fatally in¬
jured Apr 27, 1835. Ephraim, the 5th ch b N. Aug 6, 1809 m Eliza
Merrill, b N. Jan 27, 1809. He d in Paris July 27, 1854. Wid lived
in N. near Merrill Hill, and d there. Their only son Levi A. b Aug
22, 1844, enlisted in Co. F. 17th Me. Regt. on quota of Paris, and
was killed at Chancellorsville, Va. May 3, 1863.
Whitman
John Whitman, the English emigrant ancestor, came to Mass
before 1638. In Dec of that yr according to Gov. Winthrop’s Journal,
he was admitted to the privileges of citizenship. He may have come
530
HISTORY OF NORWAY
to America with his bro Rev Zechariah abt 1636. He finally set’d
at Weymouth and was one of its foremost citizens — first dea of the
church there (No. Weymouth), — first military officer, and one of the
first board of justices to end small controversies. The Indians as
well as the whites had such confidence in his integrity and judgment
that he was often selected to deal with the savages. He had a real
love for justice and fair dealing which is characteristic of his de¬
scendants. Having cleared several acres of land on the lot he had
selected for his farm, he went back to England and brought his
wife and ch to their new home abt 1641. His wife’s name was Ruth,
who d in 1662. He d Nov 13, 1692 at abt 90. They had 9 ch, 4 sons
and 5 daughters. The three youngest were born in Weymouth, the
others in England. 1, Sarah, b abt 1627 m Abraham Jones. They
were ancestors of Pres Abraham Lincoln; 2, Thomas, b abt 1629 m
Abigail Byram d 1712; 3, John, b abt 1631 m 1. Ruth Reed, 2.
Abigail Hollis — d Nov 5, 1713; 4, Mary, b abt 1634 m John Pratt, —
d July 10, 1716; 5, Elizabeth, b abt 1636 m Joseph Green — d Feb 2,
1720; 6, Hannah, b abt 1641 m Stephen French, she d after 1718;
7, Judith, b abt 1643 m Philip King — she d after 1711; 8, Rev
Zechariah, b abt 1644 m Sarah Allcock — d Nov 5, 1726; 9, Abiah, b
abt 1646 m Mary Ford — d Jan 28, 1728.
Levi Whitman, the lawyer, was a des. in the 5th generation,
of Thomas. His father was Rev Levi, b July 4, 1748 who m Sarah
Thomas, and his grandfather was Josiah b 1724 who m Elizabeth
Smith. Josiah was the son of Nicholas and his wife Mary Conant.
Levi was b Jan 16, 1789. (Sarah his sister m Albion K. Parris,
afterwards Governor of Me, Rep in Congress, Senator and Judge of
the Supreme Court:) Levi grad at Harvard in 1808, read law in
the office of his cousin Judge Ezekiel Whitman at Portland and
came to Norway in 1811. He began practice with Luther Farrar
our first lawyer and on his death in 1812 succeeded to the business
and afterwards m the widow whose maiden name was Mercy A.
Whiting. They had one eh Francis H., b Dec 25, 1823 m Martha B.
Maybury. He d in Harrison Oct 2, 1872. His w d Dec 20, 1862 in
her 79th yr. Francis H. Whitman had 2 daus, Mercy Adams, b Aug
16, 1845 m Napoleon Gray and Mary Eliza, b Apr 23, 1851 m Albert
Gray. The father d June 7, 1894; the other members of his family
soon after. All lie in Rustfield Cem, Norway vill.
Charles F. Whitman, the author of this history, is descended
from Abiah the fourth son and youngest ch of Dea John the im¬
migrant ancestor and his wife Mary, dau of Andrew and Eleanor
(Lovell) Ford. He and his exemplary wife lived on the old home¬
stead at North Weymouth and tenderly cared for his parents in
their last days. It is a beautiful place around the little hamlet.
The marks of their habitation are still there or were a year ago.
The old burying ground between two knolls has been desecrated by
the location of a highway, which in building opened graves and re¬
moved the ashes of the dead. Abiah’s gravestone is the only known
memorial of the ancient Whitmans buried there, but there is no
grave that is designated by it. The stone bears the following in¬
scription :
HISTORY OF NORWAY
531
“Here lies ye Body of
ABIAH WHITMAN
Died
January ye 28th 1727-28
In ye 82d year of his age.”
Some of the good people of Weymouth deeply regret that any
graves in the old cemetery were ever disturbed; this was done many,
many years ago, for a more direct route of travel, but there are
others there and elsewhere who think there is nothing, however sa¬
cred, which should stand in the way of modern commercialism and
greed. One of Wendell Phillips’ greatest speeches was made against
removing the Old South Church, in Boston, for the demands of
trade. John G. Whittier wrote one of his best poems against its
removal. These put a stop to the project at that time, but at some
future period it may be renewed and an effort made for that purpose
and even to remove the ashes of the dead from the old Granary Bury¬
ing Ground near Boston Common. A few of the last lines of Whit¬
tier’s immortal poem are pertinent here:
“Woe for thee, when men shall search,
Vainly for the Old South Church;
When from Neck to Boston stone
All their pride of place is gone;
When from hay and railroad car,
Stretched before them, wide and far,
Men shall only see a great
Wilderness of brick and slate,
Every holy spot o’erlaid
By the commonplace of trade”
Abiah’s w d Mar 15, 1715. He outlived her 12 years but did
not remarry. They had 7 ch, 4 girls and 3 boys — John, Zachary and
Abiah. Zachary d without issue. John 3, b 1681 m 1. Rebecca
Manley b Mar 6, 1687 d Aug 29, 1742, m 2. Jean Chaplin, Sept 4,
1750. 5 ch by 1. w and 2 by 2nd. He d 1758 at 77. His w m
1769 Eben Dunham and lived in Easton near Bridgwater on a lot
given him by his father. Jacob 4, the youngest ch, b Nov 28, 1753
m Abigail Packard of Bridgwater b May 20, 1856. He was a Min¬
ute Man at the beginning of the Rev and was in service during the
battles of Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill. There is a
tradition that he was in the latter battle. He was in the battles of
Long Island, Saratoga, Stony Point, and Monmouth. Discharged
from the Continental Army in New Jersey, he came home to Easton,
on foot. Went to Buckfield in 1782 in time to acquire 100 acres of
land, which he cleared and brought into a state of cultivation. He
and his wife were members of the Baptist Church, but were very
liberal in their views,- — that all persons will ultimately be saved.
Jacob Whitman was the leading citizen of his section of the town.
He was strictly honest and had all the characteristics of the ances¬
tor. His complexion was light, and he was broad-shouldered, with
great muscular development. Every field he surrounded with good
532
HISTORY OF NORWAY
stone walls. His wife was a small woman with pleasant dark eyes
and black hair. The Norway D. A. R. was named for her. Jacob
Whitman was granted a pension in 1831. He d Dec 29, 1842 at the
age of 89 yrs. His w d July 7, 1837. ch — 1, Luther, b Easton
May 5, 1778 m 1. Polly, dau of Dea Wm Berry b Feb 22, 1775, d
Dec 28, 1837, m 2. Fanny (Chaplin) Wight. He d July 20, 1849 —
10 ch — all by 1. wife — II, Jacob Jr, b Bridgwater Oct 11, 1779 m
Dorcas Berry b June 16, 1779. He was a lay preacher of the
Baptist Ch So. He d in Hebron Sept 6, 1873 at 93. His w d May
24, 1867. 10 ch — III, Joseph, b Bridgwater Mar 26, 1782 m Polly
dau of Eleazer and Lucy (Shurtleff) Cole b Sept 30, 1783 — d Dec
1838, m 2. Mrs. Mary Jones, 10 ch by 1. w. He d Dec 1857. His
son Elhanan, m Sally Curtis. Of their 8 ch is Mary Cole Whitman
who m Howard D. Smith of Norway - ; IV, Calvin, -b Buckfield
May 26, 1785 m Sarah, dau of Jona Record the Rev Sol, who lived
to be 105 — b Sept 7, 1788 — res Hebron, Buckfield and Paris. He d
Apr 9, 1867 in Paris at 82, bur in B. — (Lowell Cem.). She d in P.
Dec 29, 1884 at 96. 7 ch, all b in B. V, Joshua, b July 4, 1778 m
1812 Catherine Davie, of Hebron, b Apr 16, 1791. His parents
selected him to care for them in their old age. That duty was faith¬
fully performed. He was the best informed and most liberal
minded of all the old soldier’s sons. There was no man in the
section where he lived, including north-eastern Hebron, who was in
any respect equal to grandfather. He was the soul of honor and
integrity. Once coming home from a store at West Minot he found
that in making change he had received a few cents too much. He
returned immediately and paid the store-keeper what was his due.
That was the example he set his children. He was broad-minded
and liberal in politics as in religious opinions. No narrow con¬
tracted dogma found any lodgment in his mind. I never heard
him overmatched in argument. He measured a person for what
he was, not for what he professed to be or believe. He was not dis¬
putatious and did not invite controversy, but if it was forced upon
him he met it and triumphed over his adversary. He d Aug 9,
1858 from an attack of the measles. Grandmother, one of the best
of women, was a mother to the grandchildren, as well as her own.
She outlived grandfather twenty years, dying Sept 24, 1878. They
had 11 ch — Joshua Elhanan, their 3d son and 4th ch b Mar 15, 1819
m 1842 Phebe, dau of Joel Jr and Martha (Lothrop) Foster of
Buckfield, b July 21, 1822. He lived on the old homestead of his
father and grandfather in the southern part of the town till 1864
when he moved to a farm in the western part of Buckfield. He d
June 7, 1900, mother d Apr 5, 1897. — 4 ch. I Henry Wilson, b June
8, 1843 m 1864 Martha M. Dunn of South Paris. She d several yrs
ago— no ch; res Buckfield. II Dr. Alden Chase, b Nov 15, 1846 m
1. Isa G. Waldron; 2. Lucretia (Beal) Blondel of Topsham, res
Hebron — 4 ch, Launcelot d in infancy; 2 Plhisted J., m 1. Ethel Rey¬
nolds, 2. a Jordan, res Chattanooga, Tenn.; ch: a son; 3, Gertrude,
Geraldine and by 2. w Phebe Priscilla who d at age of three. Ill
Charles Foster, b Feb 6, 1848 m 1867 Mary A. Dinsmore of Norway b
.May 18, 1848 — 3 ch: 1, Victor Melnotte, b B. June 21, 1869 d Nov 17,
HISTORY OF NORWAY
533
1876. 2. Prof. Verne Mortier, b Mar 14, 1871 m Mollie Wren Ma¬
loney of St. Andrews, N. B. Grad of Colby Col. and High Sch
teacher res, Laconia, N. H. — 1 ch, Victor, b Canton, Apr 5, 1901; a
student 1923, at Boston Univ. 3, Victor Merton, b Sept 22, 1877 m
Jessie L. Dinsmore, res Norway— no ch. Abigail, dau of Jacob the
Rev. Sol., b Feb 20, 1794 m Capt. Jonathan Cole of Woodstock, b
Mar 14, 1795. He was a bro of Polly Cole who m Joseph Whitman
He d July 29, 1861. Wid d Aug 26, 1870.
Prof. Ozias, the youngest son of Joshua, b Buckfield, Sept 13, 1831
m Izah T. dau of John and Emma B. (Greenleaf) Hatch of Norway
b Aug 18, 1842. He was a grad of Colby, taught in academies and
high schools in Norway and other places and in Minnesota and dur¬
ing the last years of his life was in the U. S. weather bureau service
at St. Paul, Minn. His wife for many yrs was his assistant teacher.
He d in 1918. His wid survives (Dec 1923) at her home at Red
Wing, Minn. — no ch.
Whitmarsh
Ebenezer Whitmarsh, b Bridgewater, Mass., 1757, prob of the
Weymouth family of that name m 1. Mary Humphrey of Gray, 2.
Mary Rich. He was a Rev. Sol. and prominent in the affairs of Rust-
field PI. He d June 6, 1827 — 5 ch : 1, Betsey, b Apr 1789 m Amos
Noble; 2, Capt. John, b Aug 23, 1793 m Charlotte Stevens b July 11,
1798. He was a farmer for many years near Fuller’s Corner. After¬
wards a jeweler in the village. He d Jan 2, 1880. 3, Thomas, b
abt 1800 — set’d in Gray. 4, Mary, b abt 1803 m Elias Brown — set’d in
Waldo Co. 5, Lydia, b abt 1806 m Tristram Emery — set’d in Waldo
Co.
COL. WILLIAM W. WHITMARSH
MARTHA C. WHITMARSH
Capt. John Whitmarsh had 4 ch: 1, Martha Stevens, b July 29
1821 d Oct 26, 1844; 2, Olive Hobbs, b Apr 22, 1824 m Samuel Carter;
3, Co/. Wm. Whitman, b May 27, 1835 m Martha C. Blake. He served
with distinction in the Civil War, was town clerk for many yrs; co.
Comm’r for 10 yrs; member of the legislature, sec. and treas. of the
water works co., and landlord of the Elm House. He d Mar 29, 1921 _ -
534
HISTORY OF NORWAY
2 ch: Lizzie C., b Nov 9, 1872 m Mellie W. Sampson; Charles, b
May 20, 1878 d in infancy; 4, Victoria Almeda, b Nov 29, 1837 d
unm in Mass, after 1920.
Whitehouse
Capt. Jonathan Whitehouse, son of Benjamin and Sarah Pike
(Buzzell) Whitehouse of Middleton, N. H. and Oxford, b O. Apr 9,
1813 m Mar 1835 Harriet Herring. They set’d in Norway vil on
lower Main St. He was a thoroughly honest and good man. For many
years he was the sexton of Pine Grove Cem. His w d Dec 10, 1882
aged 76. He outlived her many yrs, dying on his birthday, Apr. 9,
1905 at the age of 92 — 2 ch: 1, Sarah M., b July 5, 1842 m 1866,
Frank T. Pike. 2, Esther H., b Oct 15, 1844— living 1921, unm.
Benj. Jr., b O. June 22, 1820 m 1, 1841, Susan (Cobb) Putnam, b
Jan. 16, 1819; m 2. 1870, Ellen Durgin. He d N. Sept 14, 1880; 2. w
d Oambridgeport, Mass., Nov 6, 1869—7 ch, 1 by last w: 1 Geo H.
b O. Feb 26, 1842 m Clara F. Towle. 2, Eunice E., b Dec 12, 1843 m
1 Osmond Towne, 2. Frank P. Putnam. 3, Francis C., b Sept 18, 1845
m Lizzie Pattie— set’d at McFaflls and Topsham— big paper manfr, d
a few yrs ago very wealthy. 4, Alice M., b Oct 6, 1847 m B. W.
Marston. 5, Alfred Wallace, b O. Feb 7, 1850 m 1881 Ida B. Walker
b Nov 13, 1856 — 1 ch: Annie P. b Oct 19, 1891 m Leonard Sessions,
b Aug 22, 1868 — ch, Sumner Alfred, b May 8, 1920 and Robert Ed¬
win, b June 1, 1923. 6, Edwin B., b N. Jan 7, 1856 m Hattie A.
Noyes — (merchant in Baltimore, Md., res. Fredericksburg, Va.— 6 ch:
Susan C., Lawrence B., Eunice M., Hattie B., Francis E. and Edwin
H. 7, Freeland E., b Jan 19, 1877.
Whitney
Wm. Clark Whitney, son of Joshua Whitney, b Worcester, Mass.,
Oct. 19, 1765, m 1. Sophia Fuller of Hebron, b Mar 23, 1779. 2,
Dec. 1816 Deborah Patch of Otisfield. He was agent for Dr. Andiew
Cragie for sale of lands in Oxford, sheriff of Oxford County and
member of the Governor’s Council. He amassed a large fortune.
Came to Norway in 1832 and d Oct 6, 1859; 2. w d Dec 26, 1873 in
her 87th year.— 6 ch by 1. w and 5 by 2d. 1, Mary C., b Mar 7, 1800
d Aug 25, 1801. 2, Harriet, b Apr 9, 1801 m Dr. Solomon P. Cush-
man— set’d in Brunswick. 3, Fanny, b Jan 6, 1803 m Stephen Cum¬
mings, Jr. 4, Sophia F., b Oct 10, 1806 m Wm. Goddard— set d^ m
Bethel. 5, Wm. C., b Nov 21, 1809 d Mar 1861. 6, . Jane F. ., b Oct.
25, 1812 m James S. Greenleaf. 7, George P., b Aug 13, 1819 m
Er’mina P. Packard. Prominent and leading citizen of Oxford for
many years. 8, Deborah P., b Mar 22, 1822 d in infancy 9 Sarah
P. b Mar 22, 1822 d in infancy. 10, Sarah P., b June 2, 1824 d unm
July 1863. 11, Edwin, b Sept 8, 1829 d June 19, 1832.
Phinehas Whitney, an early isettler on the Waterford thiee
ranges of lots, which became a part of Norway, when the town was
incorporated, was from Harvard, Mass., from which town had en¬
listed in the War of the Rev. He was b in 1742. His w, Keziah, d
June 26, 1827 of “old age” (83). He d June 1830 at 82. At least
HISTORY OF NORWAY
535
2 ch: 1, Annis, b 1784 m James French Jr. — d Sept 7, 1846. 2, Relief
m Jabez Chubb, who was drowned in Crooked river in 1815' She d'
Feb 25, 1841— ch d Apr 19, 1838.
Wiles
J. Hiram Wiles, with wife Ruby A., came here from Bethel some
twenty years ago. He is a stone mason. They have two ch, James
Cf., a plumber and Currie W ., who served in the great World War
Currie W. m June, 1920, Annie Schenck.
Winslow
Edward Clinton Winslow, son of George C. and Lydia (Lamrock)
Winslow, b Paris, Nov 29, 1862 m Sarah Eleida, dau of James M and
Christina (Richards) Wilson of Oxford, b Feb 6, 1862—1 ch • Ray¬
mond Edward, b Apr 19, 1902. Edward C. Winslow is 7th in descent
from Kenelem the brother of Gov. Edward Winslow of the Pilgrims
who came to Mass, in the Mayflower in 1620. His father d in Nor¬
way Oct 14, 1877, aged 45 yrs 3 mos. Mother d Jan 9, 1906 aged
78 yrs 6 mos. He is a clerk in the hardware store of Longley & Son
and was town treasurer for several years.
Witt
Benjamin Witt, a nephew of Gapt. Henry Rust the proprietor
of Rustfield, b Feb 1766, was 4 times married and had 9 ch by three
first wives. Benj. Jr., whose mother was Betsey Parsons, b Dec
10, 1897 m Celia Churchill— 4 ch. Only Cyrus H. lived to have a
family. He was b Feb 22, 1833 and m Angerone, dau of John Jr. and
Ann (Young) Bird. He lived on the old homestead of his father and
grandfather till about 189 — , when the family removed to Worcester
Mass— 1 ch: Annie G., b May 19, 1863 m John H. Ramsdell of
Worcester. She was a successful school teacher prior to her mar¬
riage — has a family of ch.
Thomas Witt, by 3. w Hannah Parsons, b June 3, 1809 m Rachel
Porter of Paris. He was a printer and farmer. For a short period
printed the Norway Advertiser. He d Oct 29, 1884 — wid surv him
many yrs— 8 ch: 1, Mary Ellen, b Sept 23, 1846 m Hezekiah E.
Brown. 2, Charles Thomas, b July 18, 1848 m Ella F. Hathaway.
A 'successful bus man of East Boston. Was a member of the Gen.
Court and candidate for Congress. Several ch d young. He d sev¬
eral yrs ago. 3, Elizabeth Porter, b Apr 26, 1850 m Geo. W. Foster.
4, Sarah H., b Dec 10, 1853 d unm Mar 19, 1909. 5, George Herbert,
b May 26, 1856 m E. Boston, Dec 1881 Mary T. Baker — res Dorches¬
ter, Mass., 2 ch — Natalie Snow, b Dec 7, 1885 m 1910 Vinton E.
Delano— ch, Geo. Witt, b Dec 30, 1912. Sybil May, b Feb 4, 1887
m 1920 Wm. A. Delano. 6, Abbie Louise, b Aug 11, 1858, unm.
7, Willie B., b June 7, 1862 d young. 8, Edward E., b Oct 1,
1864 m Mary C., dau of Dr. Wm. B. and Cynthia A. (Perham) Lap-
ham. Mr. Witt has served in the lower house of the legislature and
on the board of selectmen. He d in 1923. 2 ch: Lucy, b Oct 5, 1906,
and Wm. Edward, b Feb 5, 1908, d in infancy.
536
HISTORY OF NORWAY
jt /
Wood
Ephraim F. Wood/ son of Bowdoin of Waterford b May 9, 1826
m 1849, Lois, dau of Brackett Marston, b Apr 10, 1829. He lived
near Norway Lake vill. on the road over Pike’s Hill to Oxford, and
was an all round farmer, built walls, stoned cellars; dug wells and
drove teams at lumbering, etc. — d Sept 1, 1915. W d Aug 30, 1882 —
9 eh: 1, Frank Eugene, b Sept 24, 1850 m 1909 Anna W. Pearson —
d July 28, 1910. 2, Ira Johnson, b Dec 28, 1852 unm. 3, Susan
Ellen, b June 6, 1857 m Jan 1883 Lewis E. Monk of Paris. 4, Wins¬
low Brackett, b Sept 6, 1860 m 1894 Laura A. Gordon of Wayne. 5,
George William, b Oct 10, 1862 m July 4, 1884 Mirabah D. Horne b
Berlin, N. H., Aug 27, 1864 and had Thurza M., m Edward M. Cush¬
man of Portland; Robert Irving, m Myrtle F. Rowe of Hartford;
Geo. W. Jr., and Harold H., twins, b Apr 26, 1890. Geo. W. Jr. m
Louise, dau of F. Robert Seavey. Geo. W. sen, d July 20, 1915 and
wid removed to Portland. 6, Lois Edna, b Oct 4, 1864 m Ernest A.
Bradbury. 7, Herbert S., b Sept 5, 1866 m Ada May Lakin, and had
Bertha Mabel and Alton Morris. 8, John Marston, b Mar 7, 1869 m
1893 Maud Billings and has Earl M., Rena W., Donald E., and Rich¬
ard W. 9, Harry, b May 29, 1873 m 1891 Cora E. Hall and has Lois
and Gladys.
Woodman
Jonathan Woodman came here from New Glouceester in 1799.
His father David, prob a Rev Sol. came in 1825, and Joseph in 1828.
Jonathan set’d on easterly side of Pike’s Hill. He appears to have
been the only one living in Norway when the census was taken in 1850
and at that time was 76 yrs old. His w was Betsey Smith, a sister
of Joshua and Daniel, b Jan 17, 1779 — no ch. He was a leading citi¬
zen of the town and served three yrs on the board of selectmen. In
those days men were selected for public positions for their good judg¬
ment and business capacity. Hence we conclude, what he was.
Mary Woodman, a sister of Jonathan m Joshua Smith. Jonathan
d July 21, 1850, aged 77, showing that the census was taken before
his death. His wid d Feb 28, 1856 aged 77.
David Woodman, with w Mercy and perhaps dau, Susan set’d here
in 1825. He d Nov 6, 1840 aged 93. Wid d Sept 1, 1846 aged 75.
Susan, d Nov 2, 1866 aged 67 — all buried in Rustfield Cem.
John A. Woodman comes of good old N. H. stock, but his father,
Richard A. Woodman went into the vicinity of Newport, Vt., and m
Sarah A. Channell, at Bolton on the Canadian side, where John was
b Dec 7, 1856. He m in 1881 Elizabeth M. Guptill of Fryeburg. The
next year they came to Norway and stayed three years. Then went
to Manchester, N. H. where he was in the hotel business. Returned
to Norway and bought the Beal’s Hotel property in 1897, which he
operated for 13 yrs — selling out in 1910. He was one of the most
popular landlords who ever kept a public house in Norway. He is
living in retirement (1923) and retains his popularity among all
classes of the people — no ch.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
537
Wyman
*-?APT\?ANIEL Wyman> an officer in the War of the Revolution
set d in Wyman PI. now Chesterfield. His son John removed to a
farm in Livermore where he d in 1862. His w was Susan Peterson.
Of them 8 ch was Daniel, the 2d ch who m Esther Goding of Jay and
set d in Weld and became one of the most prosperous farmers of that
section of the State. He d Apr 1872. His w had d in July 1856
John Wyman their son b Weld June 23, 1838. at twenty, went to
California and worked in the gold mines and at lumbering for nine
yrs. In 1870 he bought a saw mill in Newry and in Dec of that year
m Ann D., dau of Nathaniel Trask of Mt. Vernon. She d Sept 27
1883 and he m 2d 1884 Eldora H„ dau of Amos and Betsey Barker’
b Albany Dec 10, 1864. Mr. Wyman came to Norway in 1885 and
purchased the place at Norway Center originally the Jeremiah Hobbs
JOHN WYMAN
farm. He was a prosperous farmer and member of the board of
selectmen etc— d Sept 2, 1905 aged 67. His wid m Alvin Brown.
4 ch, 1 by 1. w and 3 by 2d. 1, Alfred Lee, b Oct 24, 1871 m Cora Ella
Brown— 6 ch: Harold Clayton, b Oct 12, 1899, Annie Madeline, b Sept
15, 1901, Ava Brown, b Feb 19, 1903, d in infancy, Paul Vivian b Nov
12, 1904 d in infancy, Elliott Lee, b Jan 8, 1908 and Maida Lillian b
Feb 27, 1909. 2, Louisa, d in infancy. 3, Mabel Louisa, b Sept 3, 1886
m Jan 1907, Arthur H. Holman— 2 ch, Eldora Mabel, b May 23* 1911
and Elizabeth Mollie, b Apr 7, 1914. 4, John Merton, b Apr 25, 1890
m Flossie E. Frank. They live on the old homestead at Norway Cen¬
ter — 4 ch, John, b Sept 21, 1913, Florence Eldora, b Mar 2, 1915, Les¬
lie Arnold, b Nov 4, 1919, and Francis Merton, b June 6, 1921.’
Young
Freeland Young b Paris Feb 8, 1844 m 1869 Evelyn O. Dudley b
Bryant Pond, Dec 20, 1849. His parents were David F. and Louisa
(Trombly) Young and was g. son of Nathaniel Jr., the Rev. Sol. and
Chloe (Cummings) Young. They have one ch— Walter P. b Feb 12,
1873 m Louise C. Bradbury — 2 ch: Philip G., b Mar 3, 1896 m Bertha
Sessions and has Constance, b Mar 10, 1919. He d in 1923 2 Bervl
B. b Oct 18, 1898.
538
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Frederick Lewis Young, son of William and g. son of Nathaniel
the Rev. Sol., b Apr 8, 1828 m 1, Sarah W. Lane, 2. Roxanna Lane of
Biddefcxrd. 1. w d Sept 20, 1866. He d Nov 18, 1908; 1 ch by each
wife: 1. Eva W. b June 5, 1855 m Wm. Blake — set’d in Mass — ch:
William Henry, b Aug 25, 1874, Gertrude Winona, b Dec 5, 1876,
Frederick, b June 3, 1878 d in infancy, Eva, b May 30, 1880 d in in¬
fancy, S. Lottie, b Jan 23, 1890 and Geo. N., b Oct 16, 1892. 2, Annie
May by 2. w, b July 30, 1870 m 1888 Edgar F. Barrows of Paris, ch:
Earl R., b Feb 21, 1890, Edith Marie, b Mar 16, 1892, and Lucy Fay,
b Oct 21, 1908.
Daniel Young, of another branch of the family, b in Portland,
1782, m Margaret Merrill of New Gloucester. He learned there the
hatter’s trade and came to Norway about 1803 and formed a part¬
nership with Joseph Gallison. They carried on the hat-making busi¬
ness for many years — each for himself, after two yrs in partnership.
He d in 1846. His w d — m 2. Lydia Prince of Buckfield. She lived
to be over 93 yrs old. — 4 ch by 1. w and 5 by 2. 1, Elvira, b 1806 m
1835, Wm. Gallison — d 1883. 2, Josephine, b 1807 d 1841. 3, Daniel
M., b 1811 m Abby Jewell. 4, Moses A., b 1815 m 1848 Maria Cloud¬
man. 5, Louisa A. P., b 1819 m Isaac B. Gorman. 6, Hannah A.,
b 1824. 7, Martha M., b 1827 d Mar 12, 1827. 8, Rodolphus, b 1830
m 1866 Lizzie Barrows. 9, Lydia M., b 1832 d 1861.
Rodolphus, son of Daniel lived and d in Norway vill. He d 1885.
Wid d Nov 5, 1898 — 4 ch: 1, Philip Sheridan, b July 27, 1866 d Oct
2, 1866. 2, Maggie Zilpba, b Jan 30, 1868 m Eugene C. Libby. 3,
Arthur Rodolphus, b 1870 d Oct 11, 1876. 4, Howard Barrows, b
Sept 1, 1873 m Annie (Cullinan) Watson.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
539
COATS OF ARMS
All the old family lines running back for tseveral generations
before the coming of the Pilgrims, with very few exceptions, were dis¬
tinguished by some notable ones of its members, having been granted
the right to use a coat of arms, and this usually descended from
father to son or next of heir. Prior to the reign of the murderer of
the young English Princes in the Tower of London, the coat of arms
was generally conferred by the monarch, but more often by com¬
manders for valor displayed on the field of battle, or by noblemen to
such of their retainers as had rendered for them signal service “in
following their banners.” During that period the College of Arms
was instituted, which exercised authority over the subject matter of
making grants.
The most sensible people today in America care little for such
evidences of royal or overlord favors to one’s ancestors, but if con¬
ferred for merit or noteworthy service in war or peace, it may well
be a matter of pride.
Even the intensely practical Benjamin Franklin came at last to
accept this view of the matter. At one time he had written that
“a man who makes a boast of his ancestors doth but advertise his
own insignificance,” and again that “it was hardly worth while to
concern ourselves with such things” (as coats of arms). He later
derived much satisfaction from finding after considerable research
that his own ancestors, for some three hundred years at Ecton, Eng¬
land, were so much above the common herd around them as to be free¬
holders, and that one of them, at some period, had been granted a
coat of arms with two lion heads on the shield.
It does make a difference whether one’s forbears were horse
thieves and vagabonds or of signal moral and intellectual qualities.
And who among us is not intensely proud of his descent from the Pil¬
grim Fathers and Mothers; the old Continental Patriots of the Revo¬
lution; the men who wrested the Great Charter of English Liberty
at Runnymede from the infamous King John; and the Protestant
Martyrs of Great Britain and France?
One of the most ancient coats of arms is that of the Fosters; its
distinguishing characteristic being the hunting horn and this is found
in all branches of the race. The first Foster (Forestarius- — keeper
of the forest) is supposed to have had this coat of arms granted to
him, but this may well be doubted, though it is altogether probable
that he was given some device by the Invader to designate his official
position.
The Tucker coat of arms, too, is very ancient— the first of the race
having been a knight in William the Conquerer’s army, who distin¬
guished himself on the battlefield of Hastings.
The Pratt coat of arms may have as ancient an origin, for the
“Le Sire” (father) of that clan, with several sons was among the
Norman Knights there. But Sir William de Pratt, and Sir John
Foster were the favorite knights of King Richard of the Lion Heart
at the Siege of Acre during the third crusade of 1189-91. They and
their retainers saved the king from capture there on one occasion,
540
HISTORY OF NORWAY
de Pratt being taken prisoner. He was ransomed for a large sum,
after being a long time in the hands of the enemy. The Saracens at
first believed they had taken King Richard himself and it took some
time to convince them to the contrary. Some kind of an emblem
answering to a coat of arms may have been and probably was granted
to Sir William by the English king.
The Baker coat of arms had three falcon heads, emblazoned on a
shield.
The Brett arms is also very ancient for the ancestor of the race
in England was a Norman knight, who fought at Hastings.
The Bradbury coat of arms dates from the 15th century at least,
when Sir Thomas Bradbury was Lord Mayor of London. After him
several members of the race in the direct line to the Mass, and Maine
Bradburys were lords of the manor where they lived.
The Brooks arms had three escalops on a tesselated shield — crest
a beaver “passant.”
The Buck coat of arms had the head of a male deer with branch¬
ing horns on a shield.
The Crooker or Crocker arms have several devices on the shield, —
lions rampant, etc.
The Davie coat of arms, granted to Sir John Davie of Credy,
Devonshire in 1641, had a lion rampant, on the shield.
The Downer coat of arms is a very pretty design — 3 peacocks
with spreading tails — crest two winged hands clasped.
The Drake coat of arms had a griffin on the shield — crest, a raised
hand, clasping a battle axe. Sir Francis Drake, the great navigator,
“in memorial of his voyage around the world bore sable, a fess wavy
between the poles of the earth, with stars argent.”
The Gibson coat of arms is described in the genealogies.
The Hills arm's had a cross between 4 crescent moons — crest a run¬
ning horse with broken spear head in mouth.
The Longley family arms had a sable on a white shield.
A cut of the Millett family arms is shown in the Millett genealogy.
The Sanborn arms is described in the Sanborn genealogy.
The Tilden coat of arms is a figured trowel.
The Tyler arms had three lions emblazoned on a shield with a
cross between two moons.
The Upton coat of arms had a cross on a tesselated heart-shaped
shield — crest a horse all saddled and bridled surmounting a crown.
The Whitman coat of arms had a device on a shield — crest, a deer
standing on a stump.
There are many others, that Norway families might be interested
in, where appropriate descriptions are lacking. But some of the na¬
tional coats of arms, like the eagles of the United States, the lions
of England, the lilies (fleur de lys) of France and the ravens of
Denmark, do not need particular description, and are of the greatest
interest to the people of these lands, who are proud of their country
and prize the institutions under which they live.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
541
PART V
STATISTICAL
LIST OF DEATHS
From
1788 to 1820
1789.
Feb. Infant female child, unnamed, of John Parsons, first death
in Rustfield. — Feb. 20, The mother Esther Smith Parsons, aged 54. —
Nov. — Capt. Jonathan Sawyer, Rev. Sol., 53, in Gorham where he
went on a visit.
1791.
Sept. Susanna, dau. of Nathaniel Stevens, 2 yrs, 6 mos. — Oct.(?)
Daniel Cary, drowned at the outlet of Great Pond.
1792.
Sept. 26. Nathan Noble Jr., 2.
1794.
Mrs. Joel Stevens.
1797.
Jan. 9, Sally Herring, 4 yrs. 5 mos. — Asa Case, Rev. Sol.
1799.
Jan. 20, Phebe Dale, 3, dau. of Joseph Dale.
1800.
George Lessley, Rev. Sol. exact date uncertain. — Betsey Parsons,
wife of Benj. Witt, exact date uncertain.
1802.
June 5, Hugh Pike, 3 yrs. 5 mos., son of John the pioneer. — Sept.
16, Mrs. Polly T., wife of Levi Bartlett, 27.
1803.
Jan. 21, Susanna (Parsons) Millett, 26. — Aug. 23, Serena Stone, 3.
1804.
Nov. 5, Celia, dau. of Dudley Pike, 3. — Dec. 24, Miriam (Hobbs)
Foster, 32.
1805.
Apr. 19, Silas, son of Jacob Frost, the Rev. Sol., 22. — May 7,
Jacob Pike, father of Dudley and John, 68. — May 22, Josiah, son
of Jacob Frost, 14.
1806.
July 6, Samuel Foster, son of Nathan the Rev. Sol., 2. — July 10,
Sally Foster, dau. of Nathan, the Rev. Sol., 1. — Aug. 5, William, son
of William Reed, k. by cart body falling upon him, 4%.
1807.
May, William Stevens, inj. by falling rock while fishing at Sand
Pond, abt. 16. — Oct. 28, Capt. Anthony Bennett, inj. by fall from
staging and cutting from broadaxe, 37. — Dec. 2, Anna, dau. of Sam¬
uel Ames, 12.
542
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1808.
Winter, Francis Major, a scholar in the Jones district, while
playing with others on the crust, 14. — Oct. 22, Eliza, dau. of Maj.
Jonathan Cummings, 2. — Lucy Cobb, wife of Benj. Witt.
1809.
Joseph Churchill. — Sam’l Perkins, Rev. Sol. in Paris.
1810.
Feb. Mrs. Abigail (Merrill) Wilkins.
1811.
July 22, Hannah Foster, 18. — Aug. 26, Luther Farrar, son of
Daniel Smith, 3.
1812.
Mar. 14, Eliphalet Watson, Rev. Sol., 95 nearly. — May 8, Luther
Farrar, Esq., 34. — June 15, Sarah A. Martin, 14.
1813.
Jabez Young, ab’t 18. — Seth Pike, 22. — Asa Dunham, 54, Rev.
Sol. — Joseph Dale, 47 dis. with dis, all soldiers in war with Great
Britain. — Apr. 25, Lydia Hobbs, 24 nearly. — June 14, Jerusha Ames,
18. — 19, Mary Tarbox, wife of John Pike, 47 nearly. — June, Enoch
Frost, Sergt. Maj. in Rev. War, 63.
1814.
June 14, Jeremiah Hobbs, 67, one of earliest settlers. — Dec. 4,
Wm. Bartlett, Rev. Sol., 70.
1815.
Zebedee Perry, abt. 60, Rev. Sol. — May 2, Capt. Joseph Rust,
Reg’r of Deeds, 51. — 16, Charles Stevens, 29. — July 25, Joanna
Martin, 9. — Aug. 10, Joseph H. Martin, 50. — Jabez Chubb, drowned
in the Crooked River (may have been in 1814). — Dec. 10, Betsey C.,
dau. of Nathan Morse, 3 nearly.
1816.
June 30, Nathaniel Stevens, Rev. Sol., 55. — Sept. 30, Lydia
(Shedd) Frost, 52.
1817.
May, John Greeley, Rev. Sol. in Oxford, 65.
1818.
Feb. 27, Phebe Dale, 50. — Apr. 16, Capt. John Davis, Rev. Sol., 65.
— June 23, Lemuel Shedd, Rev. Sol. k. at raising, 60.— July 13,. Levi
Bartlett, 46. — Aug. 5, Timothy Gorham, 18 nearly. — Dec. 14, Martha,
dau. of Ephraim Abbott, 27.
1819.
Dec. 6, Lyman D., son of Jere Hobbs, Jr., 1 yr. 9 mos. — Dec. 21,
Joanna Marshall, wid. of Jacob Pike, 85.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
543
TOWN OFFICERS
Selectmen Etc.
1797-8 Job Eastman, Benj. Witt, Joseph Stevens.
1799 Job Eastman, Joshua Smith, Benj. Witt.
1800 Job Eastman, Anthony Bennett, Jonathan Woodman.
1801-2 Job Eastman, Jonathan Woodman, Cad. F. Jones.
1803-4 Benj. Witt, Nathan Noble, Timothy Stone.
1805 Henry Rust Jr., Nathan Noble, Aaron Wilkins.
1806 Joseph Rust, Anthony Bennett, Aaron Wilkins.
1807 Aaron Wilkins, Wm. Parsons, Cad. F. Jones.
1808 Aaron Wilkins, Joshua Smith, Cad. F. Jones.
1809 Joshua Smith, Cad. F. Jones, Nathan Noble.
1810 Aaron Wilkins, Cad. F. Jones, Solomon Millett.
1811 Nathan Noble, Solomon Millett, Henry Rust.
1812 Nathan Noble, Solomon Millett, Uriah Holt.
1813-14 Nathan Noble, Uriah Holt, Joshua Crockett.
1815 Nathan Noble, Uriah Holt, Aaron Wilkins.
181,6-17 Nathan Noble, Aaron Wilkins, Wm. Hobbs.
1818 Aaron Wilkins, Uriah Holt, Henry Rust.
1819-21 Uriah Holt, Henry Rust, Jr., Jonathan Woodman.
1822 Uriah Holt, Nathan Noble, Wm. Parsons, Jr.
1823 Uriah Holt, James Flint, Elijah Hall.
1824 Wm. Hobbs, Simeon Noble, Job Eastman.
1825-26 Uriah Holt, Wm. Hobbs, Levi Whitman.
1827 Uriah Holt, Wm. Hobbs, David Noyes.
1828 Uriah Holt, David Noyes, Ezra F. Beal.
1829-30 David Noyes, Thompson Hall, Nathan Noble, Jr.
1831 Uriah Holt, Ichabod Bartlett, Nathan Noble, Jr.
1832 David Noyes, Ichabod Bartlett, Nathan Noble, Jr.
1833 Uriah Holt, Jona. Swift, Elliott Smith.
1834 Jona. Swift, Elliott Smith, John Millett, Jr.
1835 Jona. Swift, John Millett, Jr., Henry W. Millett.
1836 John Millett, Jr., Simon Stevens, Cyrus Cobb.
1837 Simon Stevens, Cyrus Cobb, Jona. B. Smith.
1838 Simon Stevens, Jona. B. Smith, John Whitmarsh.
1839 Simon Stevens, John Whitmarsh, Henry C. Reed.
1840 Simon Stevens, Henry C. Reed, Solomon Noble.
1841-2 Henry C. Reed, Solomon Noble, Ichabod Bartlett.
1843 Jonathan Swift, John Parsons, Jr., Benj. Tucker, Jr.
1844 Jona. Swift, Gen. Wm. Parsons, Jr., Mark P. Smith.
1845 Gen. Wm. Parsons, Mark P. Smith, Henry W. Millett.
544
1846
1847-8
1849
1850
1851
1852
1853-4
1855
1856
1857
1858
1859
1860
1861
1862
1863
1864
1865
1866
1867
1868-9
1870-1
1872-3
1874
1875-6
1877
1878
1879
1880-1
1882
1883-5
1886
1887
1888
1889
1890
1891
1892
1893
1894
1895
1896
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Mark P. Smith, Henry W. Millett, Simeon Noble.
Henry W. Millett, Henry C. Reed, Solomon Noble.
Mark P. Smith, Henry W. Millett, Solomon Noble.
Mark P. Smith, Wm. Hall, Ichabod Bartlett.
Ichabod Bartlett, Wm. Hall, Ansel Towne.
Simon Stevens, Simeon Noble, Lee Mixer.
Mark P. Smith, John Millett, David Frost.
David Frost, Frank H. Whitman, Joel Millett.
Frank H. Whitman, Joel Millett, Wm. Frost, 3d.
Frank H. Whitman, Wm. Frost, 3d, Hiram Millett.
Solomon Noble, Wm. W. Hobbs, Richard Evans.
Henry C. Reed, Frank H. Whitman, Amos F. Noyes.
David Frost, Amos F. Noyes, Uriah H. Upton.
Granville L. Reed, Amos F. Noyes, Uriah H. Upton.
Uriah H. Upton, Granville L. Reed, Simon Stevens.
Simon Stevens, Granville L. Reed, Sam’l Saunders.
Simon Stevens, James H. Merrill, Moses Parsons.
Simon Stevens, James H. Merrill, Wm. Frost, Jr.
Simon Stevens, James H. Merrill, Benj. H. Noble.
Benj. H. Noble, Loren H. Wrisley, Frank A. Danforth.
Loren H. Wrisley, Frank A. Danforth, John A. Bolster.
Amos F. Noyes, Mark P. Smith, Colman F. Lord.
Amos F. Noyes, Wm. Frost, 3d, Chas. W. Ryerson.
Chas. W. Ryerson, Wm. H. Whitcomb, Ansel Dinsmore.
Wm. H. Whitcomb, Ira Johnson, Jr., John A. Bolster.
John A. Bolster, James O. Crooker, James L. Partridge.
James O. Crooker, Wm. H. Whitcomb, James L. Partridge.
c
James O. Crooker, James L. Partridge, Frank A. Danforth.
Frank A. Danforth, Ephraim H. Brown, Irving Frost.
Ephraim H. Brown, Frank A. Danforth, Irving Frost.
Henry M. Bearce, Horace C. Oxnard, Francis M. Noble.
Darius S. Sanborn, George E. Gibson, Benj. Tucker.
D. S. Sanborn, Geo. E. Gibson, J. A. Roberts.
C. E. Holt, N. W. Millett, John Wyman.
D. S. Sanborn, H. S. Perry, Harlan S. Flint.
D. S. Sanborn, H. S. Perry, Harlan S. Flint.
E. F. Smith, H. C. Oxnard, Ira Johnson.
E. F. Smith, Ira Johnson, F. H. Noyes.
E. F. Smith, Ira Johnson, C. E. Freeman.
S. S. Stearns, Chas. W. Ryerson, E. E. Witt.
J. O. Crooker, Chas. W. Ryerson, E. E. Witt.
Chas. W. Ryerson, E. E. Witt, D. S. Sanborn.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
545
1897
1898
1899
1900
1901
1902
1903
1904
1905
1906
1907
1908
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917-21
1922
1923
D. S. Sanborn, E. E. Witt, Virgil E. Dunn.
D. S. Sanborn, Virgil E. Dunn, Chas. A. Frost.
D. S. Sanborn, Virgil E. Dunn, Harry M. Jackson.
D. S. Sanborn, Harry M. Jackson, Alvin Brown.
D. S. Sanborn, Harry M. Jackson, Alvin Brown.
D. S. Sanborn, Harry M. Jackson, Alvin Brown.
A. J. Stearns, E. E. Witt, Frank L. Millett.
A. J. Stearns, E. E. Witt, Frank L. Millett.
A. J. Stearns, E. E. Witt, Geo. H. Dunn.
D. S. Sanborn, H. Arthur Robbins, Harry F. Greenleaf.
D. S. Sanborn, H. Arthur Robbins, Harry F. Greenleaf.
D. S. Sanborn, H. Arthur Robbins, Harry F. Greenleaf.
Geo. W. Holmes, Geo. H. Dunn, Anson J. Millett.
Geo. W. Holmes, Anson J. Millett, W. A. Hersey.
Geo. W. Holmes, Anson J. Millett, W. A. Hersey.
Geo. W. Holmes, Anson J. Millett, W. A. Hersey.
Geo. W. Holmes, W. A. Hersey, Asa D. Frost.
Geo. W. Holmes, W. A. Hersey, Asa D. Frost.
Geo. W. Holmes, W. A. Hersey, Asa D. Frost.
Geo. W. Holmes, Asa D. Frost, Chas. H. Dunn.
Geo. F. Hathaway, Alvin Brown, H. Arthur Robbins.
Alvin Brown, H. Arthur Robbins, Geo. F. Hathaway.
H. Arthur Robbins, Geo. F. Hathaway, Fred G. Dunn.
546
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Town Clerks
1797-8 Joshua Smith
1799-02 Job Eastman
1803 Joseph Rust
1804-42 Job Eastman
1843- 51 Simon Stevens
1852-3 Wm. Wirt Virgin
1854 Chas. L. Francis
1855 Henry Upton
1856-9 Gen. Henry Rust, Jr.
1860-1 Col. Geo. W. Millett
1862- 5 Benj. G. Barrows
1866-77 Ephraim H. Brown
1878- 85 Wm. W. Whitmarsh
1886-03 Chas. G. Mason
1904-8 Geo. L. Curtis
1909-20 Stuart W. Goodwin
1921 Capt. Wilford G. Conary
Town Treasurers
1797-05 Job Eastman
1806-9 Henry Rust, Jr.
1810 Aaron Wilkins
1811-37 Joshua Smith
1838-40 Henry Rust, (3d)
1841-3 Elliott Smith
1844- 6 James Crockett
1847-53-
69-71 Eben C. Shackley
1854-5 Isaac A. Denison
1856-7 Mark P. Smith
1858-9 Samuel Favor
He served also in ’65, ’67 and ’68
1860-1 Sam’l Gibson
1862 Sam’l Cobb
1863- 4-6 Loren H. Wrisley
1872-3 Lee Mixer
1874-8 A. Oscar Noyes
1879- 80 Frank S. Oxnard
1881-6 Cyrus S. Tucker
1888-90 Fred W. Sanborn
1891 C. F. Whitman
1892 A. L. F. Pike
1893-5 Stephen B. Cummings
1896-05 Henry J. Bangs
1906-9 Edward C. Winslow
1910-13 Stuart W. Goodwin
1914-20 Eugene N. Swett
1921 — Ross L. Bickford
COUNTY OFFICERS
Clerks op the Courts
Charles F. Whitman
Donald B. Partridge
Judge of Probate
SewaTd S. Stearns
1897-9
Registers of Deeds
Joseph Rust
1805-15
Geo. L. Sanborn
1915-19
County Commissioners
David Noyes
1838-42
Jonathan B. Smith
1842- 6
Wm. W. Whitmarsh
1891-01
County Attorneys
Levi Whitman
1815-33
Wm. Wirt Virgin
1859-62
Alfred S. Kimball
1880- 3
Eugene F. Smith
1893- 7
C. P. Barnes
1905- 9
County Treasurers
Henry Rust
1807-20
Henry Rust, Jr.
1820-30
Howard D. Smith
1915-17
Sheriffs
Wm. C. Whitney
182—
Henry W. Millett
1839-41
Samuel Gibson
1850- 2
James L. Parker
1891- 5
STATE OFFICERS
Adj. General and State
Treasurer
Gen. Geo. L. Beal
Commissioner of Agriculture
John A. Roberts
Governor’s Council
Wm. C. Whitney 1821
Henry C. Reed 1867-9
Rep. to the Legislature
1805-10 Luther Farrar
1811-12 Joshua Smith
1813-16 Levi Whitman
1820 Henry Rust, Jr.
1821-3 Aaron Wilkins
1825-9 Uriah Holt
1830-1-5 Gen. WTm. Parsons
1832-4 Ichabod Bartlett
1836-59 Maj. Henry W. Millett
Jonathan B. Smith
Elliott Smith
Simon Stevens
Benj. Tucker, Jr.
1837
1838-9
1895-1915 1840-1
1919- 1842
HISTORY OF NORWAY
547
1844 Jona. Swift
1845 Mark P. Smith
1847 Simeon Noble
1849 Henry C. Reed
1851-2 Lee Mixer
1853 Asa Danforth
1856 David Frost
1862 Sumner Burnham
1865 Wm. W. Hobbs
1867 James H. Merrill
1871-2 Geo. P. Jones
1875 Wm. H. Whitcomb
1877 John A. Bolster
1880-2 Albert F. Andrews
1883- 4 Henry M. Bearce
1884- 5 Wm. W. Whitmarsh
Newell A. Traftton 1891
John A. Roberts 1893
Edward E. Witt 1905
Albert J. Stearns 1907
Eugene E. Andrews 1911
Herbert F. Andrews 1917
Lawrence M. Carroll 1921
Albert A. Towne 1923
Senators
1836-7 Jonathan Swift
1865-6 Wm. Wirt Virgin
Pres, of Same
1885 Henry M. Bearce
John A. Roberts 1897
Albert J. Stearns 1909-11
548
HISTORY OF NORWAY
MILITIA OFFICERS.
1800 Jonathan Cummings, Capt. pro. Major.
Anthony Bennett, Lieut, pro. Capt.
William Reed, Ensign, res.
1807 Amos Towne, Ensign, pro. Colonel.
1808 Ward Noyes, Capt.
Ephraim Twombly, Ensign, dis.
Nathaniel Bennett, Lieut, in Cav. Co.
1809 Bailey Bodwell, Capt. cash’r.
William Twombly, Lieut, dis.
Daniel Holt, Ensign, res.
1811 William Parsons, Jr., Ensign, pro. Brig. Gen’l.
1813 Cad F. Jones, Ensign pro. Capt.
1816 John Whitmarsh, Ensign pro. Capt.
Henry Rust, Jr., Capt., res.
John Millett, Jr., Lieut, pro. Col.
Isaac Bennett, Ensign.
1818 David Noyes, Ensign, pro. Capt.
1820 Thompson Hall, Ensign, pro. Brig. Insp.
1821 Amos Millett, Ensign, pro. Aid.
John Richards, Ensign, pro. Capt.
1823 Jere Foster, Ensign, pro. Capt.
Henry W. Millett, Major, Cav. Co.
Malachi Bartlett, Major.
1824 Nathan Foster, Jr., Major, died.
1824 Thos. J. Cox, Ensign.
Henry C, Reed, Lieut.
1826 Benj. F. Hall, Lieut, pro. Capt.
William Needham, Ensign.
1828 Ansel Towne, Ensign pro. Major.
1830 Joseph Bennett, Capt. pro. Major.
Hiram Millett, Lieut, pro. Capt.
Wm. Hayes, Ensign pro. Lieut.
1831 William Stevens, Ensign pro. Capt.
1832 Henry L. Noyes, Ensign pro. Lieut., res.
Cyrus Sampson, Ensign, pro. Capt.
1836 Wm. Noble, Lieut., pro. Capt.
Alanson M. Dunham, Ensign, pro. Lieut., res.
David Sanborn, Capt.
Amos F. Noyes, Lieut, pro. Lt. Col.
Alva Hobbs, Ensign, pro. Capt.
Washington French, Ensign, pro. Capt.
1838 Jonathan Whitehouse, Ensign, pro. Capt.
1841 Wm. P. Buck, Lieut.
A. C. Houghton, Ensign.
HISTORY OF NORWAY
549
1842 Henry Upton, Ensign, pro. Lieut.
Ebenezer Crowell, Ensign.
Janies French, Lieut., pro. Capt.
1855 Wm. Wirt Virgin, Capt. N. Lt. Infr’y, pro. Maj. Gen’l.
David F. Noyes, F. Lieut.
Jonahan Blake, Sec. Lieut., pro. F. Lieut.
1856 Edwin M. Hobbs, 3rd Lieut., res.
Wm. M. Cushman, 4th Lieut., res.
1858 Geo. L. Beal, 3d Lieut., pro. Capt.
1859 Cornelius W. Hobbs, 3d Lieut.
Wm. W. Whitmarsh, 4th Lieut.
550
HISTORY OF NORWAY
CENSUS OF 1790
•Samuel Ames, wife, 2 males and 4 females in family, total, 6
Thomas Co wen “ 3
William Dunlap “ 2
•Amos Hobbs “ 1
Jeremiah Hobbs “ 2
•Benjamin Herring “ 2
•George Lessley, “ 2
Warren Lucas
John Millett
•Nathan Noble “ 2
•William Parsons “ 2
John Parsons
•Samuel Perkins “ 2
•Dudley Pike “ 3
John Pike “ 1
•Joseph Stevens “ 2
•Jonas Stevens “ 4
•Nathaniel Stevens “ 1
•Moses Twitchell “ 2
Benjamin Witt
ll
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1
ON WATERFORD THREE TIERS
Jonathan Stickney
•Phinehas Whitney
1 male (Lemuel Shedd)
wife 2 males and 2 females in family
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it
2
6
Total
•Rev. Soldiers.
110
•Samuel Ames,
Moses Abbott
•Josiah Bartlett
Josiah Bartlett, Jr.
Levi Bartlett
Rufus Bartlett
Nathaniel Bancroft
William Beal
Anthony Bennett
Nathaniel Bennett
Bailey Bodwell
Eprhaim Briggs
Peter Buck
Huldah Case
Ebenezar Cobb*
•Isaac Cobb
Joshua Crockett
Calvin Crocker, Calvin
•Elisha Cummings
•Isaac Cummings
Jona Cummings
CENSUS OF 1800
wife,
2 males and 7
females
in
family,
total
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4
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it
11
4
2
2
4
6
3
6
6
2
7
6
8
6
9
5
8
3
9
11
3
HISTORY OF NORWAY
551
*Noah Curtis
Thomas Cowen
Joseph Dale
*Asa Dunham
William Dunlap
Job Eastman
Peter Everett
* Jacob Frost
Joel Frost
*Nathan Foster
Thomas Furlong
Benjamin Flint
Benjamin French
Benjamin Fuller
*David Gorham
*Samuel Godding
*Amos Hobbs
Jeremiah Hobbs
*Darius Holt
Thomas Hill
*John Henley
Cadwalader F. Jones
*Benjamin Herring
*Daniel Knight
*George Lessley
*Asa Lovejoy
Joseph Martin
Nathaniel Millett
John Millett
Solomon Millett
David Morse
Silas Merriam
William Nash
Ward Noyes
*Nathan Noble
*Wm. Parsons
John Parsons
*Zebedee Perry
*Dudley Pike
John Pike
*Samuel Perkins
*Joshua Pool
William Reed
*Henry Rust
Ezekiel Robinson
Benj. Rowe
John Richardson
* Lemuel Shedd
Dennis Stinchfield
Benjamin Stinchfield
Joshua Smith
*Joel Stevens
* Jonas Stevens
* Joseph Stevens
*Nathaniel Stevens
William Stevens
* Jacob Tubbs
*Amos Upton
*John Upton
wife,
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4 “ “2
3 “ “ 2
1 “ “2
2 “ “ 3
2 “ “2
2 “ “ 1
6 “ “2
3 “ “2
4 “ “4
2 “ “3
2 “ “3
1
3 “ “4
5 “ “5
3 “ “ 1
7 “ “ 4
1
1 “ “ 1
6 “ “
2
2 “ “ 1
1 “
3 “ “3
1 “
6 “ “3
5 “ “3
3 “ “3
4 “ “2
5 “ “4
6 “ “4
3 " “2
5 “ “4
1 “ “2
3 “ “ 1
2 “ “2
3 “ “ 1
1 “ “3
2 “ “ 1
tt tt
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tt tt tt
tt tt tt
tt tt tt
tt tt
tt tt tt
ft tt tt
tt tt it
tt tt tt
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tt tt tt
tt tt tt
tt tt tt
tt tt tt
tt ? tt u
tt u tt
tt tt tt
tt tt
tt tt tt
tt tt tt
tt tt
tt tt tt
tt tt
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tt tt tt
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“ 2
“ 8
“ 7
“ 5
“ 7
“ 6
“ 5
“ 2
“ 10
“ 7
“ 10
“ 7
7
“ 3
“ 9
“ 12
6
“ 13
“ 3
“ 4
“ 8
“ 4
“ 5
“ 3
“ 8
“ 3
“ 11
“ 10
“ 8
“ 8
“ 11
“ 12
“ 7
“ 11
“ 5
“ 6
“ 6
“ 6
“ 6
“ 5
1 “ “ 1
2 “ “ 1
4 “ “4
3 “ “2
4 “ “3
2 “ “4
2 “ “ 2
4 “ “3
3 “
3 “ “2
tt tt tt
tt tt ft
tt tt tt
tt tt it
tt tt tt
tt tt tt
tt tt tt
tt tt tt
tt tt
it tt ft
“ 2
“ 4
“ 5
“ 10
“ 7
“ 9
“ 8
“ 6
“ 9
“ 5
“ 7
552
HISTORY OF NORWAY
*Phinehas Whitney
Benjamin Witt
Edward Wells
*Ebenezer Whitmarsh
Jonathan Woodman
*Nathaniel Young
William Yates
wife, 1 males and
cc
4
CC
U
cc
1
CC
M
cc
2
CC
U
cc
cc
5
CC
U
cc
2
CC
U
1 female
in
family,
total
2
U
u
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1
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u
3
((
u
n
ti
2
u
((
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u
1
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u
a
I
Josiah Hill
William Work
Isaac Royal
*Bela Noyes
Jonathan Gurney
ON GORE ADJOINING NORWAY
(Presumably Phillips Gore)
wife,
3 males and
1 female
in
family,
total
U
1
((
Cl
1
CC
cc
CC
CC
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4
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3
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Two Joel Frosts were in list, from department. One probably copied
twice.
92 heads of families.
Total population, 605.
"“Revolutionary Soldiers, 37.
Tt< 00 05 lO CO 05 05
HISTORY OF NORWAY
553
Amos Blanchard
Darius Wilkins
William White
Joseph Rust
IMMIGRANTS
1801-1851
1801
Dr. Alfred Barrett
Edmund Merrill
Jacob Parsons
Henry Rust Jr.
Samuel Andrews
Josiah Blanchard
John Bancroft
Tilden Bartlett
William Bartlett
Dr. John Case
Amos Cummings
Daniel Davis
Dr. Heath
John Hix
Asa Hix
John Horr
Joseph Gallison
William Twombley
William Bartlett
Morton Curtis
Levi Frank
Samuel Pingree
David Noyes
Thomas Beal
David Frost
Peter Frost
Samuel Watson
Thos. Wood
John Frost
Wm. Frost
Dr. Moses Ayer
Josiah Farrar
James Flint
Moses Holt
John Needham
Solomon Root
Rev. John Wagg
Jonathan Pollard
Edward Oakes
Moses Houghton
Thomas George
Ephraim Twombley
1802
Enoch Merrill
Enoch Merrill, Jr.
Daniel Merrill
Alexander Mills
Daniel Holt
James Packard
Jonathan Pottle
Timothy Stone
Joseph Stone
Samuel Smith
J ohn Ordway
Benj. Tucker
Daniel Young
Paul Twombley
1803
Elijah Flint
Moses Gammon
Geo. Doughty
Stephen Pingree
1804
Joseph Shackley
John Shaw
John Bennett
Eliphalet Watson
Luther Farrar
Ebenezer Jenkins
Elijah Flint
Jesse Howe
Hezekiah Pingree
Joseph H. Root
John Thomas
Asa Ricker
Jonathan Shedd
Ebenezer Watson
1805
Aaron Shackley
Benj. Peabody*
Thomas Judkins
Stephen Greenleaf
Holmes Doten
Willis Sampson
554
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1806
Joseph Bradbury
Isaac Lovejoy
John Clifford
Jonathan Shedd, Jr.
Francis Butcher
Elijah Jordan
David Major
Daniel Smith
Increase Robinson
. • •
r! 1'.
1807 _
Philip Abbott
William Cox
Ephraim Packard
John Haynes
Daniel Towne
Josiah Coville
Stephen Sanborn
Abner Stubbs
1808
Isaac Abbott
Nat’l Abbott
Daniel Leighton
William Twombley, Jr.
Samuel Nute
l
Timothy Abbott
Isaiah Hall
John Manchester
John Fifield
Paul Lombard
1809
George Bridgham
Thomas Crocker
Humphrey Cleaves
Abiathar Eastman
Samuel Hall
Reuben Brackett
Daniel Cummings
Benj. Eastman ■
Uriah Holt
Daniel Watson
1810
James Bickford
James Small
John Thurston
John Small
1811
Edmund Bickford
Frye H. Eastman
Lemuel Lovejoy
Brackett Marston
Nat’l Shaw
Joel Towne
Dan’l H. Warren
George W. Cummings
Josiah Hill, Jr.
William Noyes
Wm. Pierce
John Shedd
Levi Whitman
Hosea White
1812
Joseph Clifford
Jere Henley
Bela Noyes
Abner Pingree
Samuel Lord
Stephen P. Watson
Asa Noyes
Josiah Hill
Elijah Hall
Jas. Monroe
Chas. Newell
Moses Roberts
Andrew Gould
Wm. Morrill ,
Joe Dolley
Artemas Rawson
1813
Allan Bartlett
Wm. Corson
Capt. John Davis
Wm. Cordwell
Chas. Cleaves
David S. Hall
HISTORY OF NORWAY
555
1814
Thompson Hall
John Jordan ,
Ephraim Crockett
James D. Sawyer
Samuel Shackley
Abram Jordan
Nathan Morse
Josiah Smith
Isaac Smith
John Twitchell
Peter Towne
.. ,
1815
Enoch Crocker
John March
Edward Mitchell
Wm. M. Lovejoy
John Phipps
Joel Towne
Thomas Clark
Jere Mitchell
John Rust
Benj. Joseph
Jas. Varney
Dudley Woodbridge
1816
Israel Dresser
Jona. Swift
Sam’l Davis
Jere Staples
Benj. Richards
Sam’l Howe
1817
Wm. Churchill
Henry McKenney
Seneca Landers
Sam’l Perry
Elijah Whiting
Martin Girts
Matthew Lasselle
Sam’l Martin
Andrew Richardson
James Eastman
Ansel Field
• 1818
Thomas Davis
Joseph Gammon
Hatevil Hall
Wm. Lord
Geo. Lord
James Corson
Oliver Hale
Chas. McKenney
Ebenezer Lord
Martin Stetson
Wm. Yates, Jr.
1819
Horatio G. Cole
Robert Frost
Ambrose Parris
John H. Rand
1820
Stephen Cummings
Benj. Furlong
Benj. Jordan
Henry C. Lawrence
Dean Pratt
John Pike, Jr.
Wm. Totherly
John Weston
Isaac Clark
Thomas Goss
Sam’l Jordan
John Morse
Wm. Rich
William Shackley
Zach. Weston
Amos Downing
1821
Benj. Barrows
Reuben Chandler
Reuben Hill
Joseph York
Dr. John S. French
David H. Gamble
John McAllister
Dr. Asa Danforth
556
HISTORY OF NORWAY
1822
Ephraim Brown
Lewis Hutchinson
Jacob Kendall
John Wolcott
Abbott Holt
Abijah Ingalls
John R. Swift
Thos. Pollard
1824
Jas. Smith
Thos. Morey
Enoch Whitney
Timothy Smith
Abial Pratt
Benj. Herrick
1825
John Ayer
Benj. Herrick
Dan’l Lufkin
John Rice
Eli Whitney
Chas. Gammon
Walter B. Drew
John Marston
David Woodman
Asa Johnson
Joseph Durgin
1826
Asa Barton
Sam’l Brown
Ira Johnson
Elias H. Leighton
Geo. Morrill
Joel Parkhurst
Hiram Barrows
Rev. John Haynes
Thos. McKenney
Rev. Henry A. Merrill
Amos Ordway
Joshua Ricker
1827
Jos. Cushman
Dan’l Boleyn
John Gurney
Amos Work
Roswell Cummings
Luther Jillson
Rev. Benj. B. Murray
Cyrus S. Cushman
1828
Seba Gammon
Wm. E. Goodenow
Nat’l K. Emery
Wm. P. Phelps
Jona. Sawyer
Jas. D. SafFord
John Howard
Edmund Millett
Eben Rich
Jos. Woodman
1829
Ephraim Barrows
Jos. Mitchell
Ethiol Stevens
Rodney Titcomb
Jere Woodward
Howard Decoster
Harvey Wade
Isaac Titcomb
John C. Walker
Dr. Nat’l Grant
Zach. Wardwell
1830
Thos. Austin
Edmund Phinney
David P. Hannaford
Alex. H. Piper
Methias Furlong
Wm. Gaines
Nat’l Libby
Dr. Thos. Roberts
HISTORY OF NORWAY
557
Samuel Dunn
Jas. Hill
Jona. Martin
Ransom Ripley
Wm. C. Whitney
Lee Mixer
Micah Allen
Rufus Chadbourne
Wm. A. Evans
Perry D. Judkins
Thomas Martin
Levi Roberts
Wm. Stanley
Ephraim Whitcomb
Titus O. Brown
Gardner Chadbourne
Isaac Wetherbee
J otham Goodenow
Geo. Kimball
Wm. H. McGilvery
Joshua B. Stuart
Dan’l Thurston
Elnathan Winchester
Dwight Avery
Jas. Yeaton
Isaiah Dailey
Jonas Eastman
Richard Garland
Hiram Harris
Timothy Jordan
John Pierce
Loren H. Wrisley
Azel Tuttle
David M. Brown
Elbridge G. Fuller
Wm. Hall, Jr.
Benj. Holden
Hezekiah Mclntire
Wm. Pratt
Jas. Yates
Titus O. Brown, Jr.
John Deering
Edwin F. Hutchinson
Erastus Hillborn
Peter Knight
1831
Jos. C. Greene
Asa Holt
Anthony Martin
Jos. S. Rounds
John M. Wilson
Asia Ford
1832
Austin Buck
Richard Evans
Columbus Holden
Emery Livermore
John Martin
John Tuttle
Hiram Stevens
Augustus Wilkins
1833
Joel Barrows
Sampson Dunham
Wm. Favor
John Harmon
Jos. Morse
Sumner Shedd
Benj. Sturtevant
David Whitcomb
Jona. Whitehouse
1834
Pinkney Burnham
Fred’k Cloudman
Lyman Daniels
Edmund Foster
Eben’r Holmes
Augustus Harris
Chas. Penley
Asa Thayer
Wm. Wilkins
David R. Holden
1835
Wm. W. Berry
Jere Howe
Francis Holden
Addison A. Latham
Richard Mclntire
Sam’l Pierce
Richard Lombard
1836
Richard M. Jordan
Asa McAllister
Geo. J. Ordway
Rev. Chas. Soule
John B. S to well
558
HISTORY OF NORWAY
John McAllister
Timothy Smith
Eben’r Crowell
Timothy H. Hutchinson
Eben’r N. Holmes
Cyrus S. Thayer
Silas W. Bumpus
Sam’l Sewall
Wm. Verrill
Rev. Reuben Milner
1837
Dan’l H. Blake
Alonzo Curtis
Walter B. Drew
Timothy Hodgdon
John Howe
Jas. Haskell
Lewis Mixer
Sam’l Partridge
Rev. Luke P. Rand
David Sanborn
Dan’l B. Sawyer
Dr. Leander S. Tripp
Salmon Cushman
Gilman Davis
Chas. Gardner
Lorenzo Hathaway
Jacob Herrick
Josiah Libby
Ward Mclntire
Jos. Richardson
Stephen Rowe
Geo. W. Smith
Amos Purinton
Ephraim Brown, Jr.
1838
Wm. Bisbee
Alvin Clifford
Jas. F. Carter
Ansel Dinsmore
Isaac Farrington
Saunders Kimball
Moses Swan
Caleb Cushman
Henry Clifford
John Coffin
Ara S. Fuller
Mark S. Grover
Magnus Ridlon
Samuel Whitney
1839
Alva York
Chas. Cushman'
Thos. Ellis
Arch. B. Ward
Horsley Shedd
Reuel Shaw
John Davis
Benj. Cummings
Wm. Coleman
Depleua Bisbee
Jona. Merrow
Winslow Ramsdell
Theo. Verrill
Joshua H. Whitney
1840
Jas. Hale
Noah Jordan
Dean A. Kilgore
Alex. Libby
Eugene Upton
Nathan Hathaway
Richard Jackson
Arunah Judkins
Wm. Kelley
Jos. Turner
Simeon Walton
Moses Hanscom
Jas. N. Hall
1841
Elias Adams
Isaac Bolster
Henry R. Cushman
Jas. M. Lewis
Gardner Rowe
Elias Stowell
Nat’l G. Bacon
Dr. Alfred P. Burnell
Caleb Hersey
Bartle Perry
Wm. Stowell
Rev. T. J. Tenney
HISTORY OF NORWAY
559
Wm. Andrews
1842
Adna C. Denison
Solomon Cloudman
Sam’l Favor
Elhanan W. Fyler
Thos. Higgins
Moses G. Dow
Nat’l 0. Hicks
Ezekiel Jackson
Wm. Hutchins
John Woodman
Edmund S. Dean
Ira Berry
1843
Levi T. Boothby
John A. Bolster
America Briggs
Thos. G. Brooks
Jas. Blossom
Noble Blossom
Jas. Dorr
Peter B. Frost
Jos. Hannaford
Edward Higgins
Robert Noyes
Wm. D. Payne
Reuben S. Rich
Amos Thurlow
. Dan’l Whitehouse
Benj. Robbins
Chas. Walton
Jarvis Bryant
1844
Zach. Carey
Aaron Chandler
Johnson Edwards
Wm. Evans
Wm Howe
David McAllister
Sam’l L. Preble
John Penley
Joshua Richardson
David Rowe
Dan’l Stone
Moses Towne
Benj. Wade
Levi B. Abbott
1845
Eben’r Carsley
Jas. Corson
Alva B. Davis
Eben’r P. Fitz
Jameson Gammon
Edwin Plummer
Reuben Penley
Ansel Ross
Amos Smith
Jos. Tuttle
Joshua Weeks
Thos. Blake
1846
.Tairus S. Ohipman
Chas. Callahan
Sumner Frost
Edwin W. Howe
Eben’r P. Hinds
Chas. Kendall
Clark Knight
Jas. H. Merrill
Franklin Manning
Rev. Chas. Packard
Horace Paine
Clemens Randall
Jona. Richards
Levi Thayer
Thos. Thorne
Elbridge G. Allen
1847
Jos. Judkins
Jas. C. Bennett
Jos. A. Kendall
Hosea B. Bisbee
Ransom Morton i
Wm. Blake
John W. Noble
D. H. Blake
Peter C. Putnam
Wm. M. Cushman
Isaac Pressey
Bezaleel Cushman
Rev. Edwin F. Quinby
Albert B. Davis
Osamus Smiley
Jona. Fairbanks
John G. Swett
Freeman Higgins
Jona. M. Smiley
560
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Otis True
John Walton
Geo. B. Wentworth
Geo. J. Wardwell
Jas. M. Abbott
Philander Barnes
Chas. D. Bisbee
Moses B. Bartlett
Cyrus H. Brown
Job Cushman
Leander Dorman
Luke Fletcher
Chas. L. Francis
Asa D. Jordan
Chas. P. Kimball
Amos T. Murphy
Jas. P. Morton
Chas. Newhall
Asa H. Phinney
Alfred Raymond
Alfred Shattuck
Israel Swett
Geo. W. Severns
Wm. Stone
Ephraim H. Wood
Wm. Walton
Jos. Whitman
Jos. Wilson
Jas. Anderson
G. H. Barnard
E. K. Colby
David P. Flood
Benson Hawkins
Abner Jackson
Wm. W. Kimball
Jos. Lovejoy
Thos. Richardson
Sam’l Sumner
Chaij. Thompson
Geo. Humphrey
Hiram E. Abbott
Thos. F. Barton
Mark H. Dunnell
Geo. Eveleth
Wm. Getchell
Ezra Jewell
Peter Kimball
Chas. Mallett
Geo. H. Merrill
Wm. P. Merrill
Chas. Pike
Stephen J. Seavey
Jas. Stanley
Franklin Sargent
Ephraim Bean
America Bisbee
C. B. Coffin
Edwin Cummings
Asa Green
Richard Hammett
Dr. Jesse Howe
J. H. Kemp
G. W. Mann
Aaron D. Muzzy
1848
A. A. Adams
David N. Cushman
S. T. Dutton
Eli Grover
Wm. Hutchins
John Johnson
Geo. Kimball
Jona. Ryerson
Geo. W. Stevens
Clark P. True
John F. True
Wm. Wirt Virgin
1849
Francis Bennett
Geo. W. Crockett
Isaac A. Denison
Stephen Fuller
Oliver Goddard
Geo. W. Johnson
Otis F. Mixer
John H. Moore
Osborn Merrill
Jackson Pillsbury
Wm. A. Parsons
Zeph. Starbird
Geo. W. Sholes
Sam’l Vance
1850
Isaiah V. Penley
Wm. T. Raymond
Levi D. Stevens
Rev. John L. Stevens
Harvey Blake
Smith Bartlett
Job. B. Crooker
Benj. Cobb
Wm. Green
Enoch Holt
HISTORY OF NORWAY
561
Geo. Jackson
Josiiah P. Love joy
Wm. D. Merrill
Josiah Monroe
E. J. Pillsbury
Calvin Richardson
Rev. H. W. Strong
Michael Welch
Thos. Melzard
Sam’l Gibson
Henry Houghton
John Dailev
E. W. Corliss
Jos. F. Herrick
Elijah G. Knight
Jos. M. Little
Alex. H. Muzzy
Francis W. Mallett
Thos. Plummer
Chas. A. Bradford
Erastus Richardson
W. H. Stillson
Marshall Warren
1851
John J. Hayden
John C. Kimball
Edgar Emery
Benj. B. Francis
Chas. Jackson
Jas. Lyndes
Alex’r McGee
Isaac Merrill
Stuart H. Noble
Geo. L. Plummer
E. Robinson
Franklin Sargent
Geo. Titcomb
Chas. Wolcott
HISTORY OF NORWAY
DIRECT TAX-PAYERS, 1816
Joel Frost
Ward Noyes
$1230
Residents
Zephaniah Frost
David Noyes
Dr. Moses Ayer
$1000* Jacob Frost
♦John Needham
$1490
♦Samuel Ames
$1100 John Frost
$1400 *Nathan Noble
$1040
Wm. Ackley
♦Nathan Foster ■
$2060 Amos Noble
John Bird
$1000 Levi Frank
John Ordway
Levi Bartlett
$1330 William Foye
Jona. Pottle
Bailey Bodwell
$2300 Benj. Fuller
♦Dudley Pike
$1750
Peter Buck
Stephen Greenleaf
John Pike
$1560
John Brackett
♦David Gorham
$1090 ‘Wm. Parsons
$1975
Nathl. Bennett
$1860 Joseph Gallison
John Parsons
$1560
Wid. An’ty Bennett
$1220 *Samuel Godding
Wm. Pierce
Joseph Bradbury
$1320 Uriah Holt
$1400 Asa Pool
Jared Buck
Daniel Holt
Thomas Pool
Eph’m Briggs
$1050 Moses Houghton
Jacob Parsons
Jacob Bancroft
♦Amos Hobbs
$1250 Benj. Peabody
*Wm. Bartlett
♦Benj. Herring
$1300 * Stephen Pingree
James Buck
Benj. Herring, Jr.
Stephen Pingree, J r.
Malachi Bartlett
Wm. Hobbs
$1000 Samuel Pingree
Eben’r Bancroft
Jere Hobbs, Jr.
Hezekiah Pingree
Josiah Bartlett, Jr.
Jere Hi bbs. 3d
Hoyt Pirgree
Rufus Bartlett
Robinson Hobbs
John Richardson
Adam Bradbury
David S. Hall
Sam’l Radcliffe
Allen Bartlett-
Jona. Hall
William Reed
$2790
Alvin Boyden
John Horr
Increase Robinson
$1100
Isaac Bennett
Isaiah Hall
$1050 Henry Rust
$8490
Josiah Blanchard
$1060 Elijah Hall
Joshua Smith
Jona. Cummings
$7430 John Jordan
♦Lemuel Shedd
$1160
Amos Cummings
$1440 Eben Jordan
Daniel Smith
Geo. W. Cummings
Thomas Judkins
Abner Stubbs
Eben’r Cobb
Eben Jenkins.
Joseph Shackley
♦Isaac Cobb
Cad. F. Jones
Jona. Sanders
John Case
Enoch Knight
♦Jonas Stevens
Wid. Huldah Case
♦Daniel Knight
♦Joseph Stevens
$1350
William Cox
Samuel Lord
♦Joel Stevens
$1160
Wm. Cousins
♦Asa Lovejoy
Sam’l Shackley
Joshua Crockett
$1630 *Isaac Lovejoy
Aaron Shackley
Joshua Crockett, Jr. Lemuel Love joy
Joseph Small
James Crockett
Daniel Layton
Willis Sampson
Ephraim Crockett
Paul Lombard
Barnabas Sawyer
Owen Dale
Wm. Merrill
Isaac Smith
♦John Davis
Silas Merriam
$1100 Amos Towne
$1470
Joe Dolly
Bracket Marston
Angier Tubbs
Job Eastman
♦Enoch Merrill
Charles Tubbs
Benj. Eastman
Enoch Merrill, Jr.
♦Jacob Tubbs
$1410
John Everett
Israel Millett
Ephraim Twombly
Peter Everett, J r.
John Millett
$1420 Benj. Tucker
Elijah Flint
John Millett, Jr.
Daniel Towne
Benj. Flint
$1540 Nathaniel Millett
$1120 Peter Towne
$1200
James Flint
$1390 Solomon Millett
$1330 ♦Amos Upton
James French
Nathan Morse
Amos Upton, Jr.
Robert Frost
Bela Noyes
Francis Upton
William Frost
Asa Noyes
Micah Upton
HISTORY OF NORWAY
563
Jona. Woodman
•Eben’r Whitmarsh
Benj. Witt
Daniel Watson
*Rev. Soldiers.
Aaron Wilkins
Darius Wilkins
$1410 John Witt
Hosea White
Levi Whitman $1160
Daniel Young
‘Nathaniel Young
The heirs of *Nathaniel Stevens, *Zebedee Perry, Joseph Rust
and Joseph Martin were taxed, showing that they had recently died.
The figures opposite some of the names is the amount of the valuation
of the person’s real estate. None given below $1000. The rate was
two and two-tenths mills (.0022). Edward Little, non-resident, paid
the highest tax. His valuation ot real estate on the Lee’s Grant
was $9578.
564
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Census List, 1850
Wm. Wirt Virgin, Enumerator
Wm. Young, 55
Sarah Young, 52
Fred Young, 22
§Chas. A. Young, 13
John Bird, Jr., 42 ,
Ann Bird, 35
John Bird, 75
Polly Bird, 74
Eliza A. Bird, 17
John M. Bird, 13
Angie A. Bird, 6
Amos A. Bird, 4
Elijah Jordan, 68
Elizabeth L. Jordan, 68
Rebecca Jones, 51
Benjamin Witt, Jr., 52
Celia Witt, 46
George Witt, 20
Cyrus H. Witt, 17
Betsey Witt, 11
Elizabeth Witt, 50
William Witt, 38
Wid. Patty Witt, 78
Wm. Churchill, 53
Rebecca Churchill, 48
Calista Churchill, 17
Wm. Churchill, Jr., 13
Ellen Churchill, 10
Levi Frank, 43
Pamelia Frank, 43
Salome B. Frank, 17
Mary A. Frank, 13
Geo. H. Frank, 5
Daniel Cummings, 59
Lydia Cummings, 49
Lydia 1. Cummings, 16
Dan’l L. Cummings, 3
Orrington M. Cummings, 11
John Millett, 59
Abigail Millett, 57
Abigail P. Millett, 26
John Henry Millett, 25
Jona. S. Millett, 22
Mary W. P. Millett, 20
Isaac P. Millett, 15
Joel P. Millett, 15
Abner F. Jackson, 22
Geo. W. Crockett, 21
Margaret Cleton, 22
Nathan Millett, 49
Mercy Millett, 45
Maria L. Millett, 19
Nathan W. Millett, 15
Martha M. Millett, 11
Julia E. Millett, 9
Henry C. Reed, 46
Martha Reed, 46
Martha E. Reed, 17
Laura J. Reed, 13
Mary E. Reed, 10
§Francis H. Reed, 8
Maria L. Reed, 15 mos.
Jared M. Buck, 64
Sarah Buck, 65
Wm. P. Merrill, 29
Elizabeth P. Merrill, 22
Ward N. Merrill, 10
Bennett C. Merrick, 2
Levi Millett, 49
Sul ah Millett, 46
Caroline P. Millett, 11
^Charles F. Millett, 9
Sarah C. Millett, 5
Thomas Briggs, 38
Mary I. Briggs, 32
Mary A. Briggs, 7-
Wm. H. Briggs, 2
Thomas I. Briggs, 1
Esther Millett, wid., 62
Israel D. Millett, 29
Sam’l S. Millett, 25
Isabel M. Millett, 22
Rowena Millett, 6 mos.
John Witt, 57
Esther Witt, 58
John Henry Witt, 21
Sarah J. Witt, 17
Hiram Lovejoy, 30
Eliz. (Witt) Lovejoy, 27
Esther A. Lovejoy, 4
Lucinda M. Lovejoy, 1
Joseph York, 52
Abigail York, 52
Mary E. York, 15
Wm. W. Latham, 41
Olive Latham, 31
Betsey Latham. 77
Thos. H. Richardson, 28
Hannah J. Richardson, 18
Alb’t D. Richardson, 7 mos.
James S. Crockett, 22
Francis J. Crockett, 20
Wm. P. Richardson, 21
Betsey W. Penley, 30
Mary D. Penley, 7
David M. Brown, 38
Sarah G. Brown, 33
Phebe E. Brown, 10
Harlan Brown, 6
Orin Brown, 3
John Richardson, 50
Lucy N. Richardson, 41
Lucy A. Richardson, 17
John H. Richardson, 19
Geo. Richardson, 16
Sarah Richardson, 13
Josiah Richardson, 7
Mark G. Richardson, 5
Moses Parsons, 39
Sally Parsons, 40,
Sarah Parsons, 13
Apphia R. Parsons, 9
Lydia A. Parsons, 4 mos.
Ephraim Crockett, 62
Sarah B. Crockett, 55
Wm. R. Crockett, 26
Lydia B. Crockett, 20
• Mary A. Crockett, 16
Eliza J. Crockett, 14
Charles A. Crockett, 13
§Chas. Sewell Penley, 3
Angier Tubbs, 65
Philena Tubbs, 60
Nathan N. Tubbs, 19
Jacob Tubbs, 36
• Christina Tubbs, 30
Elhanan B. Tubbs, 3
Wm. Knight, 33
Sarah Knight, 41
f Daniel Knight, 90
Jane L. Barrows, 78
Edward H. Morse, 31
HISTORY OF NORWAY
565
Sarah A. Morse, 27
Sarah E. Morse, 7
§Edward F. Morse, 5
§Chas. H. Morse, 4
Ezra I. Morse, 3
Hannah A. Morse, 1
Ansel Dinsmore, 34
Judith C. Dinsmore, 32
§Charles W. Dinsmore, 11
Mary A. Dinsmore, 2
Nathan Morse, 62
Mary Morse, 62
Hannah B. Morse, 14
Joseph R. Morse, 43
Elvina Morse, 32
Henry W. Morse, 15
Lydia M. Morse, 12
§B. Frank Morse, 8
D. D. M. Carter, 12
Joseph G. Penley, 28
Sarah F. Penley, 28
Chas. F. Penley, 6
Isadore Jane Penley, 1
Alanson M. Dunham, 44
Christina Dunham, 45
Samuel M. Mason, 17
Carrie M. Bent, 10
Orin Bent, 8
Luther F. Pike, 43
Adaline A. Pike, 43
Sam’l B. Pike, 14
Franklin T. Pike, 12
Adaline A. Pike, 6
Albert L. F. Pike, 1
Nathaniel Bennett, 79
Elizabeth Bennett, 82
Nancy Gardner, 58
Erastus Richardson, 19
Harvy Fuller. 10
Mahalon Crockett, 34
Martha J. Crockett, 32
Harriet P. Crockett, 6
Cynthia J. Crockett, 4
Mary A. Crockett, 2
Judith Crockett, 60
§Grosvenor Crockett, 23
§ James Crockett, 20
Enoch Crockett, 16
Elsina Dudley, 23
James Bennett, 44
Eleanor E. Bennett, 30
Jane E. Bennett, 1
A. G. Farrington, 13
Isaiah Hall, 63
Rachel Hall, 62
Edward C. Hall, 25
Jere H. Hall, 21
Abigail M. Hall, 18
Melvin Pool, 65
Abigail Pool, 62
Fred L. Pool, 14
Sam’l Partridge, 42
Eliza Partridge, 42
Chas. H. Partridge, 16
Aury R. Partridge, 14
James L. Partridge, 13
Sarah S. Partridge, 10
Rebecca Partridge, 6
Nellie M. Partridge, 4
§W. Scott Partridge, 2
Moses A. Young, 34
Maria F. Young, 33
Alva B. Davis, 47
Sarah B. Davis, 43
Sophia H. Davis, 20
Levi Davis, 17
Amos Hobbs, 51
Louisa Hobbs, 40
Ellen Hobbs, 13
Rev. H. W. Strong, 41
Syrena L. Strong, 31
Augusta H. Strong, 13
Lucius Clarence Strong, 3
Ann McGilvery, 79
§Amos F. Noyes, 36
Lydia F. Noyes, 35
A. Oscar Noyes, 13
Laura H. Noyes, 11
Maria E. Noyes, 7
Catharine H. Noyes, 3
Wealthy D. Hobbs, 14
Isaac Coffin, 21
Charles Callahan, 47
Sarah Callahan, 41
Francis Callahan, 6
§Chas. A. Callahan, 3
Olive Stevens, 79
David B. Noyes, 31
Lydia N. Noyes, 29
Henry L. Noyes, 5
Hannah M. Noyes, 3
Albert Noyes, 2
Ira W. Noyes, 9 mos.
Daniel A. Herrick. 18
John C. Davis, 40
Mary F. Davis, 29
Moses F. Davis, 9
Esther E. Davis, 4
Will F. Davis, 19 mos.
Alice I. Davis, 5 mos.
David Knight, 67
Sally Knight, 62
Geo. W. Knight, 27
Edmund H. Colby, 37
Judith I. Colby, 31
Elijah Jordan, 49
Lucretia Jordan, 50
John Jordan, 13
William Jordan, 11
Laura A. Jordan, 9
Leonard Jordan, 7
Charles Jordan, 2
Wm. P. Buck, 29
Mary A. Buck, 21
Eunice F. Buck, 1
Charles Frost, 40
Hannah Frost, 37
N. Bradley Frost, 12
Annie G. Frost, 10
Elizabeth Frost, 4
Hannah J. Frost, 6 mos.
Sarah Foster, 65
Clarissa Foster, 25
Daniel Noble, 57
Asenath Noble, 41
Daniel C. Noble, 16
Wm. E. Noble, 14
Hannah A. Noble, 18
Eliza J. Noble, 8
Abby A. Noble, 17 mos.
Joseph P. Judkins, 51
Elizabeth Judkins, 28
Nelson Judkins, 3
Lucinda Judkins. 8 mos.
Nathan Horr, 47
Amelia Horr, 42
Geo. E. Horr, 9
Sam’l B. Gurney, 62
Abigail Gurney, 55
Rose A. Gurney, 18
566
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Frank Gurney, 16
Mary A. Gurney, 10
David Wilkins, 47
Lucy R. Wilkins, 39
§A. Orrington Wilkins, 6
Hattie A. Wilkins, 3
James Tubbs, 41
Hannah Tubbs, 40
Charles N. Tubbs, 12
Samuel Thompson, 19
Micah Upton, 68
Mary Upton, 65
Amelia Upton, 26
Geo. H. Uptop. 9
Uriah H. Upton, 37
Isannah C. Upton, 26
Ella A. Upton, 3
Wayland S. Upton. 1
Bela Noyes, Jr., 52
Honor Noyes, 50
Robert P. Noyes, 16
Apphia P. Noyes, 10
Henry Jordan. 15
Noah O. Stevens, 44
Chloe Stevens, 41
Emeline Stevens, 17
Hannah A. Stevens, 16
Flora L. Stevens, 14
Mary A. Stevens, 11
Dorothy M. Stevens, 9
Chloe I. Stevens, 5
Christina Stevens, 3
Ellen G. Stevens, 1
Sarah Hobbs, 66
David Noble, 47
Hanson Cole. 15
Wm. D. Paine, 35
Diana Paine, 31
Horace C. Paine, 6
Aurelia Paine, 4
Brunella Paine. 1
Charles Penley, 37
Sarah Penley, 36
Esther W. Penley, 15
§Ephraim C. Penley, 13
Francina J. Penley, 11
Nathan N. Penley, 8
§Rufus C. Penley, 5
Adrianna Penley, 2
Sarah A. Penley, 11 mos.
James C. Bennett, 29
Polly P. Bennett, 32
§Fitzroy Bennett, 4
Albert T. Bennett, 2
Llewellyn N. Bennett, 11 m.
Aaron Wilkins, 70
Maria Wilkins, 50
t
Daniel Towne, 63
Susan Towne, 59
Pleaman Holt, 37
Mary Holt, 42
Hulda M. Holt, 8
§Calvin Holt, 7
Emily Holt, 5
Clarissa Holt, 4
§ Charles Holt, 3
Robert Holt, 1
David Holt, 6 m.
tDarius Holt, 85
Phebe Holt, dau., 40
Dudley Woodbridge, 60
Susan Woodbridge, 59
Ann M. Woodbridge, 21
Rebecca Woodbridge, 17
Matthew Lasselle, 62
Frances A. Laeselte, dau., 20
Theodore L. Lasselle, 23
Olive S. Lasselle. 19
Wm. Foster, 51
Calista Foster, 41
W. Frank Foster, 17
Nathan A. Foster, 15
Marian C. Foster, 11
Hannah M. Foster, 6
Chas. C. Foster, 3
George W. Foster, 1
Henry H. Hobbs, 29
Sarah P. Hobbs, 23
Charles H. Hobbs, 2
Sarah F. Hobbs, 31
Adeline S. Hobbs, 8
Martha E. Hobbs, 6
Sarah F. Hobbs, 2
Amos T. Holt, 38
Elizabeth M. Holt, 33
Jacob T. Holt, 34
Benj. G. Holt, 23
Jane Eastman, 80
Maria H. Upton, 13
James Hill, Jr., 14
Charles Tubbs, 38
Mary F. Tubbs, 29
Francis E. Tubbs, 4
Sarah A. Tubbs, 3
Samuel Foster, 41
Sarah Foster, 41
§George S. Foster, 10
Mary S. Foster, 8
Amos Foster, 2
William Cox, 41
Elizabeth S. Cox, 30
Abbie R. Cox, 8
§W. Frank Cox, 6
Elizabeth J. Cox, 4
Edwin A. Cox, 1
Elizabeth Cox, 65
Eleanor Phipps, 21
Jona. Holt, 23
Hannah Judkins, 17
George S. Shedd, 14
Jonathan Swift, 54
Olive Swift, 47
Laura A. Swift, 17
Elijah B. Merrill, 32
David P. Crockett, 25
Hosley Shedd. 35
Phebe L. Shedd, 32
Lydia A. Shedd, 6
Stephen Pool, 19
Mary Frost, 60
Silas Merriam, 50
Mary Merriam, 46
Andrew M. Merriam, 14
Olive S. Merriam, 13
§Fretf R. Merriam, 12
Milton H. Merriam, 10
Almon E. Merriam. 8
Lawson L. Merriam, 1
Joseph F. Herrick, 20
Amos Merriam, 45
George Frost, 49
Orpha Frost, 45
Nathaniel S. Frost, 19
Charles C. Frost. 5
Nancy Quinby. 31
Edwin T. Quinby, 6
Julia S. Quinby, 5
Mary E. Quinby. 4
Herman C. Quinby, 3
HISTORY OF NORWAY
567
Myra J. Quinby, 1
Anna P. Frost, 54
Edmund Frost, 25
Jacob F. Frost, 14
Abbie J. Frost, 11
Abiah L. Green, 21
Wm. Hall, 47
Mary F. Hall, 37
Benj. F. Hall, 20
Wm. A. Hall, 17
Martha J. Hall, 11
Mary F. Hall, 9
Amos T. Hall, 5
Myra P. Hall, 4 m.
Daniel Hobbs, 46
Brittania Hobbs, 31
Emeline Hobbs, 11
Martha A. Hobbs, 5
Albert N. Hobbs, 4
Farnum T. Hobbs, 1
Thos. J. Needham, 47
Mary G. Needham, 39
Mahala M. Needham, 16
Daniel H. Needham, 14
Mary J. Needham, 12
Melzah G. Needham, 10
Sarah M. Needham, 7
Ethel S. Nedham, 5
Elmira S. Needham, 2
Mary Needham, 85
Enoch Lovejoy, 60
Keith Lovejoy, 42 r
Ruth Lovejoy, 52
Jacob Whitney, 10
Moses Whitney, 8
Daniel Whitney, 6
Mary Whitney, 3
Alice Gurney, 58
Newton Swift, 27
Betsey K. Swift, 25
Matilda O. Swift, 2
Charles D. Bisbee, 32
Susan Bisbee, 30
Amanda Bisbee, 4
Elizabeth Rishee, 3
Cornelius W. Hobbs, 24
Lucy J. Hobbs, 23
Celinda M. Hobbs, 2
Catherine Hobbs, 60
Milton Hobbs, 26
David Noyes, 62
Hannah Noyes, 60
Claudius L. Noyes, 29
Rowena C. Noyes, 26
Sarah M. Noyes, 6
Charles Noyes, 3
David Noyes, 2
Isaac Wood, 14
W. Scott Knight, 17
Isaac Bennett, 58
Sarah Bennett, 54
Servilla A. Bennett, 20
Zeb. Rowe, 35
Abigail E. Rowe, 32
Lucinda Rowe, 10
Silas W. Rowe, 9
Julia A. Rowe, 9
Ch \i. G. Rjwe, 5
Eliza N. Rowe, 4 m.
Prescott Pike, 34
Elizabeth A. Pike, 24
Emily J. Pike, 6
Harriet A. Pike, 5
§Albert E. Pike, 3
Jonathan Richards, 30
Louisa J. Richards, 28
Isaac Abbott, 73
Betsey Abbott, 62
Isaac W. Abbott, 17
Rev. Reuben Millner, 70
Fanny Millner, 49
Chas. G. Millner, 13
Thomas Pool, 40
Martha Pool, 37
Isabel J. Pool, 12
Harriet A. Pool, 10
Clio A. Pool, 7
Wm. H. Pool, 3
Oliver Goddard, 59
Statira Goddard, 47
Wm. T. Tucker, 15
Lydia C. Tucker. 13
Ellen L. Tucker. 11
§Ephraim H. Brown, 29
S. Jane Brown, 28
Luella J. Brown, 5
Wm. Z. Brown, 3
Mary H. Brown, 1
Lucy Brown. 63
Isaac Durell, 42
Eliza Durell, 38
Melville Durell, 12
Horatio Durell, 10
Loren H. Wrisley, 37
Almira Wrisley, 32
Anna M. Wrisley, 12
Joseph Hannaford, 37
Anna Hannaford, 35
Philena Hannaford, 13
Chas. A. Hannaford, 4
John F. Hannaford, 2
Wm. T. Raymond, 48
Sabrina Raymond, 46
John Raymond, 25
Ann M. Raymond, 26
Alfred Raymond, 23
Margaret Raymond, 22
Zack. A. Raymond, 14
Augustus A. Raymond, 6
Adeline Raymond, 3m.
Franklin Cole, 22
Tyla A. Cole, 19
Stephen G. Fuller, 30
Austin A. Smith, 26
George H. Morse, 20
§Charles Pike, 23
Esther C. Pike, 27
Horace M. Pike, 1
Benjamin Barrows, 57
Eliza Barrows, 52
Harriet Barrows, 15
Elizabeth Barrows, 10
Nancy J. BennP.t, 2'.‘
Calvin B. Bennitt, 4
John Tucker, 42
Emeline Tucker, 38
Ella Tucker, 7
Hannah Hill, 42
Mark H. Greenleaf, 10
Titus O. Brown, 84
Susanna Brown, 78
Sarah A. Brown, 31
Clarissa Needham, 15
S. Andrews, 20
Moses Ames, 51
Clarissa Ames, 45
George S. Ames, 20
Dorothy E. Ames. 17
568
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Geo. W. Stevens, 30
Georgianna Stevens. 7
Titus O. Brown, Jr., 50
Nancy Brown, 50
Sophia P. Brown, 20
Rosalie D. Brown, 18
Charles D. Brown, 14
Electra Brown, 11
Ann M. Brown, 6
Ellen F. Brown, 4
Levi Frank, 58
Clarissa Frank, 56
Nehemiah Frank, 48
Charity Frank, 81
Otis F. Mixer, 44
Phidera M. Mixer, 35
Eliza E. Mixer, 14
Gilbert F. Mixer, 7
Nancy Mixer, 68
Aaron Shackley, 64
Catherine Shackley, 33
Vesta Shackley, 23
Aaron Shackley, Jr., 10
Solomon S. Hall, 29
Ruth B. Hall, 30
Oliver A. Hall, 25
Elliott Brock, 20
Edward Farrington, 17
Lydia A. Noble, 19
Jona. Woodman, 76
John H. Moore, 28
Margaret Moore, 26
Elizabeth P. Moore, 2
E. B. Latham, 39
Hannah Latham, 36
Geo. W. Latham, 15
Mary J. Latham, 13
Martha Latham, 10
Joseph Latham, 8
Chas F. Latham, 6
Hannah A. Latham, 4
Abby E. Latham, 2
Sarah E. Latham, 9 m.
Thomas Ellis, 35
Annette Ellis, 33
Martha O. Ellis, 12
Edgar F. Ellis, 4
Elizabeth Ellis, 82
Abigail Wingate, 52
Joel Parkhurst, 52
Sarah J. Parkhurst, 38
Cynthia J. Parkhurst, 13
Wm. A. Parsons, 22
Annette E. Parsons, 17
Thomas Hanna, 32
Sarah Hanna, 30
Mary A. Hanna, 8
John Beal, 51
Elmira Beal, 51
Jerome P. Beal, 18
Sewell Crockett, 46
Olive Crockett, 49
Ellen M. Crockett, 21
Sewell Crockett, 18
Chas. P. Crockett, 13
Mary P. Crockett, 11
Wm. B. Emery, 54
Sally H. Emery, 37
Ed. A. Emery, 10
Sewell B. Emery, 7
Ruth Copp, 76
Stephen Greenleaf, Jr., 41
Betsey Woodman, 71
Laura Smith, 47
Eli Grover, 33
Mehitable Grover, 31
Newman W. Grover, 11
Robbins B. Grover, 9
Eliza Grover, 8
Chas. W. Grover, 2
Esther Grover, 16
Benj. Tucker, 73
Mary Tucker, 63
Rosilla Tucker, 21
Luther P. Tucker, 19
James S. Greenleaf, 35
Jane F. Greenleaf, 36
§Chas. F. Greenleaf, 10
Ellen Greenleaf, 8
§Solomon Greenleaf, 4
Mary J. Greenleaf, 2
Mark P. Smith, 43
Susan B. Smith, 42
Almira H. Smith, 11
Edwin W. Smith, 7
Ira T. Smith, 1
James H. Watson, 18
Ceylon Watson, 23
Zephaniah Starbird, 21
Elbridge G. Allen, 28
Louise Allen, 24
Sarah E. Allen, 3 m.
William Sanborn, 21
Granville L. Reed, 35
Esther S. Reed, 33
Hannah Rolfe, 24
Martha Abbott, 23
Augusta Willard, 16
Ephraim K. Smart, 20
Josiah S. Hobbs, 20
Joanna Cole, 24
Dr. Jona. S. Millett, 55
Sarah R. Millett, 55
Daniel F. Millett, 16
Mary P. Millett, 14
Sarah J. Millett, 11
Wm. D. S. Millett, 37
James C. Monroe, 23
Catherine W. Monroe, 22
Samuel Pike, 62
Susanna Pike, 55
Susan Pike, 17
Apphia Pike, 13
Maj. Henry W. Millett, 54
Harriet Millett, 50 *
Augusta H. Millett, 19
Eliza N. Millett, 15
§Capt. Henry R. Millett, 13
Louise P. Millett, 9
Charles Bisbee, 19
Geo. B. Wentworth, 30
Comfort Wentworth, 28
Geo W. Wentworth, 4
Andrew C. Wentworth, 2
Daniel F. Wentworth, 6 m.
Thomas Witt, 41
Rachel S. Witt, 26
Mary E. Witt, 3
Chas. T. Witt, 2
Elizabeth P. Witt, 6 m.
Stephen Greenleaf, 71
Mary Greenleaf, 66
Jere W. Hobbs, 36
Fanny G. Hobbs, 30
§Capt. Wellington Hobbs, 5
Geo. W. Hobbs, 4
Catherine S. Hobbs, 3
Addison A. Latham, 35
Abbie B. Latham, 34
Caroline A. Latham, 12
Geo. A. Latham, 9
Daniel H. Latham. 7
Lydia P. Young, 58
HISTORY OF NORWAY
569
Lydia M. Young, 17
Martha Graham, 4
James L. Shackley, 31
Nancy P. Shackley, 28
Wm. L. Shackley, 2
L. E. Shackley, 1
Charles Mallett, 31
Hannah D. Mallett, 29
§Chas. M. Mallett, 4
§Wm. C. Mallett, 2
Dr. Asa Danforth, 55
Abigail C. Danforth, 49
Josiah Danforth, 22
Joseph H. Danforth, 21
Sarah E. Danforth, 19
Frank A. Danforth, 17
John Danforth, 14
§James Danforth, 10
Jacob Herrick, 44
Lucy Herrick, 43
Joseph F. Herrick, 21
Daniel A. Herrick, 19
Henry W. Herrick, 14
Alice Herrick, 10
Sarah E. Herrick, 7
Jonathan S. Herrick, 5
Lydia J. Herrick, 3
Geo. W. Herrick, 6 m.
Lewis Chadbourne, 16
Lydia B. Swift, 52
Sam’l Pierce, 53
Priscilla Pierce, 41
Sylvanus Pierce. 13
Salmon Cushman, 33
Abigail Cushman, 25
Salmon C. Cushman, 4
Caleb L. Cushman. 2
Clark Knight, 27
Martha A. Knight, 21
Abby L. Knight. 2
James French, 67
Betsey French, 67
Wm. P. French, 23
Enoch Merrill, Jr., 43
Esther A. Merrill, 35
Francisco Merrill, 2
Clarissa Noble, 48
Loren Lovejoy, 51
Abigail Lovejoy, 60
William Pingree, 58
Eleanor Pingree, 59
B. C. A. Pingree, 32
Arria Pingree, 26
Sidney H. Pingree, 5
Silas Shedd, 55
Clarissa Shedd, 49
Alice Shedd, 20
Otis Shedd, 18
Caroline Shedd, 17
James Flint, 44
Hannah Flint, 42
David Flint, 16
Mary A. Flint, 14
Addie L. Flint, 12
Hannah O. Flint, 10
Harriet R. Flint, '8
Gustavus Flint, 7
Harlan S. Flint, 6
Elijah Flint, 78
Moses O. French, 40
Betsey French, 38
Benj. Peabody, 46
Polly Peabody, 40
William Peabody, 22
John M. Peabody, 19
Maria G. Peabody, 17
Julia W. Peabody, 15
Benj. S. Peabody, 13
Lucy A. Peabody, 11
Noah N. Peabody, 9
Eunice N. Peabody, 6
Mary A. Peabody, 3
Wm. C. Pierce, 35
Aurelia Pierce, 32
Lucetta H. Pierce, 7
Ashley F. Pierce, 3
Mary E. Pierce, 1
Rosanna Noble, 17
Simeon Merrill, 35
Elijah Flint, Jr., 48
Mary Flint, 50
Mary Marston, 24
Cad J. Blanchard, 38
Dorcas Blanchard, 38
F. I. Blanchard, 14
Sylvanus T. Blanchard, 10
Alpheus M. Blanchard, 8
Hoyt Pingree, 61
Sarah Pingree, 60
Levi W. Pingree, 28
Rebecca A. Pingree, 22
George B. Pingree, 2 m.
Edmund Merrill, 50
Susan Merrill, 45
Stephen Merrill, 26
Betsey Merrill, 19
Albert Merrill, 17
Esther Merrill, 15
Fanny N. Merrill, 13
Hiram Merrill, 9
Mary G. Merrill, 6
Oliver H. Merrill. 3
Hezekiah Mclntire, 76
Lydia F. Mclntire, 67
Richard G. Mclntire, 38
Ruth Mclntire, 39
Henry Merrill, 39
Susan Merrill, 37
Wm. H. Merrill, 13
Susan A. Merrill, 5
Chas. A. Merrill, 3
Betsey Merrill, 73
James Merrill, 37
Catharine Merrill, 32
Augustus Merrill, 14
Ann J. Merrill, 8
§ James L. Merrill, 6
Margaret A. Merrill, 3 m.
Cad. F. Jones, 75
Joanna Jones, 72
Osborn Jones, 18
John Merrill, 55
Sophronia Merrill, 45
Alonzo Merrill, 17
Alphonzo Merrill, 15
Daniel L. Merrill, 12
Melissa J. Merrill, 9
Laura A. Merrill, 7
John Hazen, 14
Theo. M. Hasen, 10
Willard Bumpus, 35
Esther Bumpus, 21
John Bumpus, 3
Willard Bumpus, 2
Joseph Saunders, 46
Charlotte Saunders, 45
Sam’l W. Saunders, 18
Almira Saunders, 16
Eben Bancroft, 35
Simeon Frost, 45
Eliza Frost, 44
570
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Fanny Frost, 20
Horace Frost, 17
Sumner E. Frost, 4
Eliza Frost, 3
John Bancroft, 34
Catherine R. Bancroft, 28
Fanny N. Bancroft, 2
Eben Bancroft, 62
Eunice M. Bancroft, 22
Enoch Merrill, 69
Catherine Merrill, 74
Samuel Merrill, 5
Andrew Case, 47
Betsey Case, 43
Almira Chubb, 12
Eben Bancroft, Jr., 36
Dorcas Bancroft, 33
Martha N. Bancroft, 13
John Bancroft, 11
Mary E. Bancroft, 10
Almira E. Bancroft, 8
Wm. W. Bancroft, 3
Geo. R. Bancroft, 1
Simeon Noble, 58
Betsey Noble, 58
Emeline Noble, 26
Benj. H. Noble, 17
Frank E. Fuller, 20
§Archelaus Fuller, 11
Benj. Flint, 80
Anna Flint, 64
Eben Crowell, 55
Esther Crowell, 47
Frank Crowell, 13
Washington Crowell, 10
Sampson Crowell, 8
Esther P. Crowell, 6
Lucy L. Crowell, 4
Darius Wilkins, 67
Mary Wilkins. 50
Franklin Sargent, 25
Nancy Sargent, 30
William Needham, 51
Eliza Needham, 46
Mary E. Needham, 15
§Wm. O. Needham, 4
John Whitmarsh, 56
Charlotte Whitmarsh, 55
§Wm. W. Whitmarsh, 14
Victoria Whitmarsh, 12
Perry D. Judkins, 38
Fanny I. Judkins, 36
Amos C. Judkins, 12
^Oliver W. H. Judkins, 10
Harmon S. Judkins, 8
Julius I. Judkins, 1
Moses Judkins, 77
Lucinda Judkins, 67
Lucinda Judkins, 18
John I. Coffin, 44
Caroline Coffin, 42
Diana Coffin, 12
Alma Coffin, 10
William Frost, 47
Mary J. Frost, 38
Joseph Frost, 18
Emma I. Frost, 16
Henrietta C. Frost, 16
Henry C. Frost, 11
Susanna Frost, 10
Elizabetth W. Frost, 8
Geo. W. Frost, 6
William C. Frost. 4
Charles A. .Frost, 1
Joel Frost, 71
John S. Shedd, 50
Sarah Shedd, 47
Augustus F. Shedd, 18
Caroline Shedd, 17
Alice A. Shedd, 15
Ezra T. Shedd, 13
Nathtaniel P. Shedd, 57
Phebe R. Shedd, 55
Samuel Shedd, 20
§James C. Shedd, 15
A. A. Adams, 30
Eveline Adams, 26
Susan Mclntire, 6
§Chas. H. Mclntire, 3
Joseph Holt, 57
Abigail Holt, 55
N. M. Holt, 15
Clepham Holt, 13
§Thomas S. Holt, 10
Jos. S. Holt, 8
Darius Holt, 3d, 27
Nancy A. Holt, 23
Charles Holt, 2
Oliver Holt, 8 m.
Daniel Holt, 42
Dolly Holt, 42
Darius Holt, 15
Albert Holt, 12
Belinda F. Holt, 10
Eliza F. Holt, 8
Hannah M. Holt. 4
Elbridge Holt, 2
Rev. Dudley B. Holt, 30
Susan Holt, 27
James Holt, 4
Granville Holt, 2
M. Ridlon, 57
Daniel Holt, 3d, 28
Louisa M. Holt, 24
Sally A. Holt, 20
Darius M. Holt, 2
Darius Holt. 61
Sarah A. Holt. 60
Wm. T. Holt, 14
Lucretia Holt, 38
Harriet M. Holt, 5
Talma N. Holt, 3
Mark S. Grover, 35
Churchill Cobb, 56
Pamela S. Cobb, 48
Susan Cobb, 19
Cynthia L. Cobb. 1
John Richardson. 79
D. A. Kilgore, 34
Mary Kilgore, 29
Mary G. Kilgore, 11
Abbie A. Kilgore, 8
Francis Kilgore. 5
Edwin Kilgore, 3
Emily C. Kilgore, 7 m.
Mark S. Richardson, 36
Susan Richardson, 36
Elizabeth B. Richardson, 10
Simon G. Richardson, 5
P. N. Hicks, 56
Nathaniel O. Hicks, 29
Samuel Cobb, 47
Mehitable T. Cobb, 49
Elizabeth Cobb, 19
Sylvanus Cobb, 13
Lewis Cobb, 12
Eunice H. Cobb, 9
Benj. W. Dunham, 20
Peter C. Putnam, 28
Simeon Frost, 38
Hannah Frost, 38
§David Francis Frost, 9
Ann F. Frost, 8
§Wm. Edwin Frost, 7
Luke Fletcher, 36
HISTORY OF NORWAY
571
Maria L. Fletcher, 34
Ansel Towne, 41
Julia Towne, 39
§Osmond Towne, 13
Hannah Towne, 11
Amos K. Towne, 6
Harriet E. Towne, 1
Geo. W. Lovejoy, 12
William Ward, 30
James Smith, 53
Eleanor Smith, 50
Mary Smith, 16
James Smith, 12
John R. Smith, 21
Benj. Smith, 18
Betsey J. Smith, 18
Jere Foster, 52
Nancy Foster, 53
§Nathan Foster, 10
Benj. Rowe, 83
Betsey Rowe, 77
Benj. Peabody, 79
Hannah Jordan, 70
William Shackley, 34
Jere Stevens, 51
Francis Lary, 43
Eliza Case, 40
Parmina Verrill, 19
Samuel Hall, 67
Elizabeth Hall, 58
Mary Hall, 37
Elizabeth Hall, 28
Sarah Hall, 24
Jere Hall, 26
Albion Hall, 22
Cordelia Hall, 21
Robert Merrill, 31
Brackett Marston, 64
Sarah Marston, 57
Wm. Marston, 30
Matilda Marston, 25
Martha Marston, 17
Susan R. Marston, 15
Winslow B. Marston, 10
Adnah Marston. 6 mos.
Robinson Hobbs, 63
Laura Hobbs, 54
Octavius Hobbs, 30
Cornelius Hobbs, 29
Elijah H. Hobbs, 21
Thos. T. Hobbs, 20
Betsey E. Hobbs, 17
John B. Hobbs, 15
Lois L. Hobbs, 13
IjFrank Hobbs, 9
Aurelius Hall, 29
Solomon Noble, 49
Ann Noble, 46
Osgood E. Fuller, 15
Isaac Watson, 52
Lydia K. Watson, 51
Alanson M. Watson, 20
James H. Watson, 18
Susanna B. Watson, 17
Anna Watson, 14
Eliza C. Watson, 12
Rowena Watson, 9
Cordelia Watson, 22
Elliott Smith, 48
Lavinia Smith, 44
Helen A. Smith, 32
Flora D. Smith, 9
Sidney I. Smith, 7
§Clarence M. Smith, 4
Benj. Tucker, 45
Sarah Tucker, 42
Benj. Tucker, Jr., 19
Sarah M. Tucker, 17
Wm. Tucker, 14
Angelia Tucker, 12
§Cyrus S. Tucker, 9
§Henry Tucker, 7
Wm. Blake, 45
James N. Hall, 39
Olive W. Hall, 33
Harriet I. Hall, 6
Frank H. Hall, 10 m.
Roxanna Young, 16
Peter B. Frost, 29
Martha A. Frost, 25
Fred R. Frost, 4
Frank T. Frost, 3
Anna Frost, 1
Almira Godwin, 20
Ezra F. Beal, 52
Mary A. Beal, 54
§Geo. L. Beal, 24
Mary A. Beal, 21
D. Webster Beal, 15
Henry Richardson, 20
Wm. Beal, 79
Jerusha Beal, 74
Polly M. Beal, 49
James H. Merrill, 42
Mary Merrill, 41
Hannah E. Merrill, 14
Henry T. Merrill, 8
James Merrill, 6
Abby Bailey, 25
Charles Walton, 41
Sarah Walton, 40
Eliza A. Walton, 20
Margaret Walton, 16
Benj. B. Walton, 11
Josephine Walton, 7
Asa Thayer, 44
Lucy A. Thayer, 13
Geo. L. Eveleth, 23
Jane R. Eveleth, 23
Thankful W. Eveleth, 50
Sarah F. Tobie, 20
Mary E. Gage, 17
Chas. L. Francis, 27
Priscilla H. Francis, 24
I. L. Stevens, 32
M. L. Stevens, 32
Dorcas F. Smith, 66
Geo. C. Ballard, 7
Sanford H. Ballard, 5
Laura A. Ballard, 1 m.
Isabella Hatch, 16
C. A. Jordan, 32
Sarah B. Jordan, 33
Mary A. Jordan, 3
Jere Howe, 36
Mary Howe, 33
Edwin W. Howe, 25
Lydia J. Howe, 9
Emery A. Howe, 2
Sarah Farwell, 61
Lydia Farwell, 22
Lorenzo Hathaway, 42
Avice B. Hathaway, 42
Chas. L. Hathaway, 10
Julia E. Hathaway, 6
Elizabeth Hall, 35
Eliza Bird, 17
Chas. A. York, 20
Eben P. Fitz, 37
Hannah D. Fitz, 33
§John F. Fitz, 15
Harriet A. Fitz, 6
572
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Chas. P. Kimball, 24
Mary E. Kimball, 22
Sophronia Porter, 47
Harriet B. Porter, 16
Isabel H. Porter, 16
America Bisbee, 40
Hiram Dunham, 22
Elijah G. Knight, 20
§Joseph Long, 18
Geo. F. Kimball, 22
John C. Kimball, 20
Hannibal I. Kimball, 18
Stephen E. Kimball, 20
Siras E. Bates, 18
David F. Noyes, 34
George H. Barnard, 22
John Daly, 19
Peter Kimball, 57
Betsey Kimball, 54
Eunice B. Kimball, 16
Edwin N. Kimball, 10
Ephraim B. Kimball, 8
Thomas Thorne, 46
Ruby Thorne, 36
George E. Thorne, 16
Ira Thorne, 13
Sarah J. Thorne, 9
Christina S. Thorne, 8
Rachel A. Thorne, 5
Wm. S. Thorne, 1
Ansel Cushman, 22
Wilson Hill, 36
Joshua B. Stuart, 36
Caroline S. Stuart, 34
Francis E. Stuart, 14
Ann M. Stuart, 12
§Talbot G. Stuart, 10
Martha C. Stuart, 8
§Whitfield Stuart, 4
§Grinfil Stuart, 4
Henry W. Stuart, 2
Simeon Walton, 71
Margaret Walton. 72
C. B. Coffin, 25
Abby C. Coffin, 24
Albert L. Coffin, 2
Otis True, 35
Martha S. True, 30
John O. True, 5
Fred H. True, 2
Joseph Tuttle, 26
Cyrus W. Brown, 23
Chas. F. Brown, “Artemus
Ward,” 16
Geo. E. Shattuck, 30
Sarah Graham, 20
Joe Churchill. 22
Levi Whitman, 61
Mercy A. Whitman, 60
Frank H. Whitman, 26
Martha B. Whitman, 26
Mercy A. Whitman, 4
Charles Sanborn, 17
Lee Mixer, 42
Deborah Mixer, 52
Angelia M. Mixer, 11
Benson Hawkins, 30
Levi Stearns, 20
Nancy W. Frost, 17
Wm. C. Whitney, 84
Deborah Whitney, 63
Wm. Whitney, 41
Sarah D. Whitney, 24
Mary M. Goss, 36
Francis Bennett, 22
Daniel Holt, 68
Mary Holt, 67
Esther Hale, 84
Luther P. Hayes, 15
Amos Ordway, 76
Mary Ordway, 66
Oliver G. Robbins, 40
Ansel Ross, 36
Mary A. Ross, 30
Ursula Ross, 62
Edwin Ross, 19
§Jonathan Blake, 33
Elizabeth S. Blake, 29
Mary E. Blake, 9
Martha E. Blake, 3
§Chas. M. Pressey, 21
Wm. F. Stone, 26
Olive Stone, 25
William Stone, 5
Frederick Stone, 5
Emily Stone, 3
Lewis B. Weeks, 31
Sarah S. Weeks, 18
Abby F. Weeks. 1
Susanna Beal, 45
Martha J. Beal, 21
Thomas L. Beal, 19
Elizabeth C. Beal, 16
Henry O. Beal, 10
Mary M. Beal, 7
Margaret S. Thompson, 21
Solomon Cloudman, 64
Betsey Cloudman, 60
Norris Cloudman, 20
Sarah E. Cloudman. 7
Eben C. Shackly, 39
Syrena Shackley, 36
^Oliver Shackley, 12
Helen Shackley, 11
Caroline Shackley, 9
Sarah Shackley, 7
§Freeman Shackley, 5
Maria P. Shackley, 4
Eben Shackley, 2
Elizabeth S. Shackley, 1
Rachel Hall, 76
Thomas Kelley, 36
Emeline Stanton, 18
Amos T. Murphy, 34
Lettice Murphy, 40
Hattie M. Murphy, 12
William Murphy, 9
Dennis Murphy, 6
Mary A. Murphy, 4
Amos Murphy, 1
Samuel Favor, 34
Mary Favor, 30
James M. Favor, 12
^Claudius Favor, 10
Sam’l E. Favor, 3
Adelaide Jones, 34
Elizabeth Hunt, 19
Emily Lawrence, 18
Martin Stetson, 72
Mary Stetson, 67
Edwin Stetson, 42
Sarah Stetson, 38
Charles F. Stetson, 21
Edwin C. Stetson, 10
Fred B. Stetson, 6
Austin Buck, 64
Sarah Buck, 51
Rosanna Buck, 33
Caleb C. Buck, 15
Sewell M. Buck, 11
James H. Crockett, 5
§Geo. W. Sholes, 25
Hannah B. Sholes, 25
Richard Evans, 44
HISTORY OF NORWAY
573
Mary W. Evans, 39
Henry C. Evans, 19
Mary Evans, 18
Josiah H. Evans, 15
Warren R. Evans, 14
Elizabeth O. Evans, 11
G. Frank Evans, 8
§Wm. A. Evans, 5
Anthony Bennett, 48
Sarah J. Bennett, 39
Ellen A. Bennett, 13
Mary E. Bennett, 7
Anthony N. Bennett, 1
Rachel Russell, 21
Stephen Lurvey, 26
Louisa Jordan, 20
Elizabeth Davis, 17
John Woodman, 28
§Wm. Wirt Virgin, 26
Geo. H. Merrill, 21
Thomas Daley, 24
Amanda Washburn, 19
Frank Bolster, 27
Wm. Doe, 40
George Stearnes, 24
Samuel M. Tufts, 26
Albert Tufts, 30
Isaac A. Denison, 30
Laurestine Denison, 25
Huldah E. Denison, 6
Rosalie H. Denison, 4
Julia L. Denison, 6 m.
Huldah H. Bemis, 44
Elias H. Bemis, 18
Mary J. Wood, 19
Adna C. Denison, 35
Hannah T. Denison, 32
Adna T. Denison, 11
Frances Denison, 4
Almira Adams, 24
Franklin Manning, 42
Sophia C. Manning, 42
Georgiana S. Manning,
Chas. F. Manning, 13
Prentiss C. Manning, 12
Wm. C. Manning, 7
Francis Manning, 1
Isaac Bolster, 53
Mary Bolster, 53
John A. Bolster, 28
Cynthia J. Bolster, 25
Deborah R. Bolster, 18
Georgiana Bolster, 14
Wm. C. Hutchinson, 25
Phebe Hutchinson, 30
Mary E. Hutchinson, 1
Maria Hutchinson, 9 m.
Jane Brown, 33
Robert Noyes, 39
Elizabeth Noyes, 33
Elizabeth A. Noyes, 6
Fred B. Noyes, 4
Helen M. Noyes, 2
Eben Hobbs, 59
Jane H. Hobbs, 47
Edmund M. Hobbs, 20
Joseph N. Hobbs, 17
Enoch L Knight, 35
Caroline Knight, 31
Edwin F Knight, 1
J. Albert Small, 25
Diantha Small, 21
James Hill, 51
Dana Hill, 18
Eliza Hill, 16
James Hill, Jr., 14 .
Frank W. Hill, 13
Hanna Hill, 10
Rosanna Hill, 10
§Wm. F. Hill, 8
Horatio G. Cole, 48
Pamela Cole, 43
Sarah H. Cole, 19
Horatio G. Cole, 16
§Chas. C. Cole, 14
Albert H. Cole 12
^Horace Cole, 10
§ George A. Cole, 7
§William C. Cole, 4
Fred A. Cole, 1
Joseph A. Kendall, 25
Mariana Kendall, 21
Baker Ames, 53
Rebecca Ames, 56
Ann R. Ames, 24
Emeline G. Ames, 15
Samuel Ames, 91
Clara A. Hayden, 21
Emma J. Hayden, 1
Edmund Ames, 26
Clarissa Ames, 23
Ida I. Ames, 6 m.
Isaac Farrington, 49
Asenath Farrington, 48
Benj. F. Farrington, 11
Lydia Farrington, 9
Josephine Farrington, 6
Howard Farrington, 4
Mahala Farrington, 2
Wm. Hayes, 42
Bethany Hayes, 38
Luther P. Hayes, 16
Wm. F. Hayes, 14
Geo. L. Hayes, 12
Ellen A. Hayes, 1
Robert Frost, 68
Elizabeth S. Frost, 61
William Frost, 38
Robert J. Frost, 27
David W. Frost, 24
Timothy J. Frost, 34
Catherine H. Frost, 6
Lydia E. Frost, 3
Alonzo Everett, 13
Sophia H. Davis, 19
Andrew Mills, 49
Olive Mills, 43
Sarah A. Mills, 17
Lydia G. Mills, 13
§Fessenden M. Mills, 11
Wm. C. Mills, 7
James Flint, 72
Elizabeth Flint, 66
Henry Upton, 28
Calvin Shedd, 23
Jere Hobbs, 64
Sarah Hobbs, 60
Wm. Hobbs, 21
Martha M. Hobbs, 13
Henry Noble, 51
Keziah Noble, 35
Aaron C. Noble, 21
Harriet B. Noble, 16
Sabrina J. Noble, 9
Mercy B. Noble, 4
Octavia A. Noble, 1
Joseph S. Rounds, 44
Esther Rounds, 39
Frances R. Rounds, 13
Laura J. Rounds, 11
Emeline A. Rounds, 6
Sarah M. Kilborn, 18
Hiram W. Kilborn, 14
Henry S. Small, 27
Hannah M. Small,- 21
574
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Henrietta Small, 1
Charlotte Small, 67
I. Newell Small, 20
Benj. R. Gurney, 19
Alfred Shattuck, 28
Sarah D. Shattuck, 25
§Henry R. Shattuck, 6
Reuben Noble, 43
Eliza A. Noble, 39
Osgood I. Noble, 4
Simon Noble, 53
Maria Noble, 48
Lydia M. Noble, 21
Thos. K. Noble, 18
§Chas. D. Noble, 8
John Perry, 61
Aurelia Perry, 63
Osgood Perry, 24
Anna Perry, 23
Esther Bartlett, 69
Caleb Cushman, 60
Betsey Cushman, 61
Ansel H. Cushman, 22
Bethany E. Cushman, 18
Samuel Hill, 49
Mary Hill, 50
§Wm. F. Hill, 19
Fletcher K. Hill, 17
Wilson Hill, 39
Elvira Hill, 27
Albion Hill, 6
Charles Hill, 4
Orrington Hill, 1
Sarah Hill, 80
Daniel Green, 30
Susan Green, 31
Joel S. Frost, 34
Mary A. Frost, 28
§Mark F. Frost, 5
Diantha J. Frost, 2
Johnson Frost, 36
Eunice Frost, 41
§Zachariah W. Frost, 13
§John Colby Frost, 10
Mary F. Frost, 9
Jane Frost, 2
Nancy Weston, 71
Zachariah Weston, 45
Nancy J. Weston, 12
Timothy Smith, 53
Alice Smith, 48
Geo. F. Smith, 16
Louisa J. Smith, 13
Chas. A. Smith, 12
§Wm. H. Smith, 6
Antepas Smith, 54
Sarah Smi.h, 45
Timothy Smith, 17
Dolly Smith, 15
§Josiah H. Smith, 9
Sally Smith, 9
Martha Smith 4
5
John Smith, 2
David R. Holden, 40
Louise Holden, 29
§Harrison B. Holden, 11
Esther M. Holden, 8
§David L. Holden, 7
§Levi E. Holden, 5
Deborah F. Holden, 3
Abbie Holden 3 m.
Peter Frost, 62
Sally Frost, 54
Mary Frost, 20
Isabella Frost, 16
Salome Frost, 12
Sam’l P. Frost, 33
Charlotte Frost, 28
Alice S. Frost, 11
Sarah E. Frost 2
>
Lauretta Frost, 9 m.
Alpha B. Everett, 38
Susanna Everett, 38
Peter Everett, 14
Alfred A. Everett, 9
Susanna Everett, 6
John G. Everett, 6 m.
George W. Everett, 35
Elizabeth F. Everett, 33
Jerusha E. Everett, 11
Ann M. Everett, 9
Elizabeth J. Everett, 7
Geo. W. Everett, Jr., 3
Chas. J Everett, 1
Samuel Lord, 64
Mary Lord, 61
Colman F. Lord, 24
Abigail Lord, 29
Emetine Lord, 21
(King) David Frost, 40
Sarah Frost, 41
W. Irving Frost, 7
Serena Frost, 5
Sam’l Lord, Jr., 27
Sarah Lord, 21
Wm. F. Lord, 2
John Frost, 36
Emeline Frost, 25
Warren Frost, 3
John G. Frost, 1
Albion G. Frost, 1
Hannah Frost, 43
§Eliab Frost, 30
Mary J. Frost, 28
Alvin R. Frost, 1
Zachary Carey, 49
Miriam Carey, 47
Matthew Carey, 18
Geo. F. Carey, 10
Lewis Clark, 7
William Frost, 60
Levi Frost, 25
Diantha Frost, 20
Roswell Frost, 9
Polly Frost, 1
John Pike, 66
Nancy Pike, 60
Noah Pike, 22
Nancy Pike; 19
Hiram Pike, 15
Amanda Pike, 12
Benj. Jordan, 70
Mehitable Jordan, 60
Isaac Jordan, 26
Nancy Jordan, 18
David P. Flood, 45
Sarah Flood, 33
§David Flood, Jr., 8
Elijah Flood, 4
§Edward J. Flood, 3
Richard Lombard, 51
Abigail W. Lombard, 48
fJohn Lombard, 86
Albert Stuart 18
Louise Gallison, 11
Paul Twombley, 78
Sarah Twombley, 66
Mary Twombley, 26
John P. Jordan, 37
Jane T. Jordan, 33
HISTORY OF NORWAY
575
Haskell Jordan, 13
Mary A. Jordan^ 8
Bernard N. Jordan, 3 m.
Daniel Boleyn, 57
Joseph Boleyn, 24
Julia O. Boleyn, 17
Mary J. Boleyn, 12
Solomon Millett, 80
Olive Millett, 61
Hiram Millett, 45
Rhoda Millett, 39
Emeline A. Millett, 17
Samuel Millett, 8
Sol omen Millett, 5
Henry A. White, 7
Wm. McAllister, 23
Joel Millett, 48
Betsey Millett, 40
Ellen Millett, 17
Martha S. Millett^ 8
Emma F. Millett, 5
Harriet M. Millett, 3
Solomon Millett, Jr., 57
Eunice Richardson, 35
Ichabod Bartlett, 53
Lorena Bartlett, 43
Isaac Bartlett, 24
David W. Bartlett, 19
Eunice W. Bartlett, 13
§Lucius I. Bartlett, 12
Susan E. Bartlett, 10
Ellen M. Bartlett, 9
§Marcus C. Bartlett, 7
§Kenneth S. Bartlett, 5
Marion S. Bartlett, 3
Abigail Bartlett, 91
Susan Rust, 30
Sarah Waldron, 19
Lucy Bartlett, 60
Mercy B. Bartlett, 58
James Buck, 69
Irene Buck, 53
Albion Buck, 25
Olive Coney, 10
Jonathan Pottle, 77
Sarah Pottle, 81
Daniel Pottle, 45
Mary Pottle, 40
Eveline Pottle, 22
Ellen Pottle, 19
Henry Pottle, 17
Delance Pottle, 13
Nathaniel Pike, 55
Lucy Pike, 46
Joanna Pike, 42
Amos L. Foster, 15
Ezra Shackley, 32
Hepsibah Shackley, 29
Emma Shackley, 9
Charlotte Shackley, 8
Charles Shackley, 4
Harriet Shackley, 3
Jacob Parsons, 42
Nancy Parsons, 42
Eliza Parsons, 12
Marcena Parsons, 7
Emily Parsons, 9
John W. Parsons, 1
Thomas J. Everett, 11
Orin Everett, 9
Hannah Parsons, 76
Nathaniel Millett, 78
Patty Millett, 67
C. Freeman Millett, 39
Louisa Millett, 37
Rosalie Millett, 12
Eliza J. Millett, 10
Ann D. Millett, 7
§ David G. Millett, 4
David McAllister, 26
Jane S. McAllister, 25
Geo. W. McAllister, 1
Geo. W. Parsons, 34
Sybil S Parsons, 34
William Parsons, 64
Dorothy Parsons, 52
Martha Parsons, 25
Sarah D. Parsons, 22
Octavia J. Parsons, 21
Geo. W. Parsons, 16
Clara J. Parsons, 14
Isaac N. Parsons, 12
Joel S. Parsons, 10
Daniel T. Parsons, 7
Abigail Parsons, 65
Levi Gorham, 45
Mary Gorham, 41
David A. Gorham, 19
Hannah P. Gorham, 17
Lois A. Gorham, 14
Ellen Gorham, 11
Julia A. Gorham, 8
Benj. B. Gorham, 6
Robina M. Gorham, 3
Thomas G. Brooks, 37
Margaret F. Brooks, 32
Mary E. Brooks, 12
Geo. A. Brooks, 9
Marcus F. Brooks, 3
Martha F. Brooks, 3
Martha M. Stiles, 16
Jonathan Whitehouse, 38
Harriet Whittehouse, 44
Sarah M. Whitehouse, 8
Esther R. Whitehouse, 5
Cephas Sampson, 38
Celia A. Sampson, 38
Luther L. Sampson, 14
Nathaniel C. Sampson, 13
Mercy W. Sampson, 11
John W. Sampson, 9
Winslow P. Sampson, 6
Orin P. Sampson, 3
Maria Sampson, 73
Susan Cobb, 58
Cyrus S. Cobb, 21
Samuel S. Cobb, 18
Susan S. Hersey, 21
Charles Parsons, 40
Mary Parsons, 38
Chas. H. Parsons, 8
Sarah H. Parsons, 6
Mary E. Parsons, 2
Levi Shedd, 58
Rhoda Shedd, 54
J. Millett Shedd, 20
Charles Newhall, 38
Lydia Newhall, 40
§Chas. E. Newhall, 13
Sarah P. Newhall, 11
Maria Newhall, 9
Ellen S. Newhall, 4
§Edwin I. Newhall, 2
Zachary T. Newhall, 2 m.
Sumner Hale, 43
Harriet Hale, 42
Cynthia H. Hale, 13
§Wm. F. Hale, 11
Sarah M. Hale, 7
Elizabeth E. Hale, 5
Job E. Stevens, 49
Alonzo Morse, 38
Lydia Morse, 25
§ David A. Morse, 7
Nancy N. Morse, 5
576
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Frank S. Morse, 4
Richard E. Morse, 2
Nathan Noble, 55
Mary Noble, 47
Amelia C. Noble, 20
§Wm. Henry H. Noble, 18
Caroline O. Noble, 16
Martha J. Noble, 13
Mary E. Noble, 9
§Francis M. Noble, 5
Simon Stevens, 51
Rebecca Stevens, 49
Elizabeth M. Stevens, 23
Albion S. Stevens, 19
Charles S. Stevens, 10
Henry Rust, 63
William Stowell, 68
Mary I. Morse, 25
Ames Packard, 21
Phil B. Butterfield, 17
Mary Rust, 19
§Henry Rust, Jr., 16
Moses B. Bartlett, 29
Sarah E. Bartlett, 26
Edward L. Bartlett, 2
Harriet W. Goodnow, 47
Harriet W. Goodnow, 47
Phebe Padelford, 62
Seba Gammon, 43
Jane Gammon, 38
Frank S. Gammon, 13
Seba H. Gammon, 9
Cromby M. Gammon, 9
Elbridge G. Gammon, 5
Martha M. Gammon, 4
Mary J. Gammon, 2
Charles A. Gammon, 21
f Joseph Gammon, 92
(in Otisfield on visit)
Benj. French, 56
Lois French, 50
Nathaniel G. French, 19
Ephraim S. Crockett, 32
Sarah D. Crockett, 31
John F. Crockett, 5
Abby J. Crockett, 4
Josiah P. Crockett, 3
Ella M. Crockett, 1
John H. Morse, 37
Hannah Morse, 30
Dinsmore Morse, 5
Emery Morse, 3
Jonathan B. Smith, 49
Lydia A. Smith, 48
Susan B. Smith, 17
Joe Henry Smith, 4
Ruth Rust, 51
Edwin Cummings, 22
Levi Crockett, 17
James Crockett, 61
Martha Crockett, 57
Abigail Towne, 26
Mary A. Towne, 3
Luther F. Foster, 35
Eunice B. Foster, 33
§Wallace V. Foster, 10
Helen A. Foster, 8
Martha J. Foster, 5
Marquis L. Foster, 5
Eunice E. Foster, 3
Eliza E. Foster, 1
■ Stephen T. Dutton, 48
Harriet Dutton, 47
Jane Dutton, 18
Charles Dutton, 13
Elijah Dunning, 29
Harriet A. Dunning, 22
Geo. W. Johnson, 37
Elizabeth Johnson, 28
John D. Wood, 35
Jane Wood, 28
Ezra Jewell, 38
James Cummings, 20
Mary Welch, 19
Leander Lewis, 23
§Mark H. Dunnell, 26
Clemens Randall, 59
§Leonard D. Randall, 19
Michael Welch, 38
Bridget Welch, 27
Helena Welch, 7
James Welch, 5
John Welch, 2
John Deering, 66
Nancy Deering, 51
Ann N. Deering, 23
Kate L. Deering, 24
Susan N. Deering, 21
Wm. B. Upton, 28
Rebecca C. Upton, 22
Ira Johnson, 54
Mary Johnson, 41
Lydia M. Johnson, 19
Amanda Johnson, 15
Ira Johnson, Jr., 11
Antoinette Johnson, 9
Jerome A. Johnson, 7
Harriet H. Johnson, 5
§Geo. H. Johnson, 9 m.
Albert Merrill, 17
Charlotte Barrows, 82
Charlotte Barrows, 50
Keziah Barrows, 48
•(•Revolutionary Soldiers.
§Civil War Soldiers.
INDEX
,
Page
Advertiser plant men.
296
Affrays, men.
150, 156
Aged persons, men.
153, 191
198, 200,
205, 267
Agr’l. course est.
276
Akers, V. M. men.
305
Effie I. men.
188
Am. Legion orgd.
276
Ames, Sam’l, sk.
34, 35
men.
76, 83
dea. of
154
Andrews, Sam’l., sk.
60
H. H., men.
218
Lt. F. E., men.
285
H. F., men.
294
E. E., men.
302
Sales Stable, men. 305
A. F., sk.
344
D. S., sk.
344
Eben C., sk.
345
Angel, Rev. C. E., sk.
124
Armistice dec’d.
275
Ashton, L. V., men.
300
Auto (1st. bo't in N.)
267
Ayer, Dr. M., sk.
227
Bacon, Rev. E. E., sk.
128
Baker, John N„ sk.
346
Margaret, poem of
346
Bank, Savings, robbery, story
of 257
Barker, Dr. F. N„ sk.
233
Barnes, Rev. Thos., sk.
121
Bartlett, Levi, sk.
43
Capt. Josiah, sk.
52
story of
53
Wm., men.
83
M. B., men.
152, 237
Dr. H. L„ sk.
234
Francis E„ sk.
285
Hon. Jona., sk.
351
Barton, Asa, sk.
235
Beal, Wm., men.
78
Ezra F„ sk.
210
Gen. Geo. L., sk.
211
Mil. serv.
184
Mary D., sk.
353
Bearce, Henry M., sk.
223
Bennett, Capt. A., sk.
40
Nath’l, sk.
40
Story of
53
Dr. S. A., sk.
234
Betterment Act
49
Bicknell, Grace, men.
271, 272
Bible
357
Page
Blake, Capt. Jona., sk.
359
Mil. serv.
99
Chas. G., men.
292
sk.
360
Board of Trade Org’d
265
Bodwell, Capt B„ sk.
78
Mil. serv.
92
Boothby, Fred E., men.
216
Boston Herald, men.
413
Boston Post Cane, men.
269
Bradbury, Dr. 0. N., sk.
233
Dr. B. F., sk.
234
Mary P„ story of
362
Bridgham, E. G., story of
162
Brooks, Dr. M. F„ men.
216, 371
Brown, T. 0., men.
148
Cyrus W., men.
236
H. Walter, men.
292
Chas. F., sk.
239
Buck, Peter, men.
41
Buckfield, old home
wk., men.
205
Hist, of, men.
273
Burnham, Sumner, sk.
371
Lt. S. H„ sk.
371
Silas H., sk.
372
Case, Asa, 6k.
57
men.
83
Carnival, lake
197
Carroll, L. M., sk.
212
men.
284
Centennial, cel.
191
Clement, Prof. R. E.
216
Cobb, Rev. S„ sk.
241
Capt S., sk.
244
men. 106,
177, 248
Coffin, Rev. Paul, men.
68
Cole, H. D., men.
204
Conery, Capt. W. G., sk
225
Cotton, Rev. E. S., sk.
131
dea. of
268
Cowen, Thos., men.
35
“Count out,” men.
190
County road located
44
2d road located
74
bldgs, rem.
199
Cragin, Dr. C. E., men.
216-
sk.
380
Crockett, J., sk.
43
Ephraim, men.
380
Wm. R., sk.
253
Ephraim S., sk. «
253
Cummings, Elisha., sk. f
43
Isaac, sk.
52
578
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Maj. Jona., sk.
Page
211
dream abt.
127
Jona., sk.
207
Chas. B., sk.
211
men.
250
Daniel, men.
253
Bros. men.
288
Curtis, G. L., men.
296
Cushman, John, men.
42
brook, men.
42
L. H., men.
300
Eld. Thos., men.
392
Benj., men.
392
Dale, Jos., sk.
58
Danforth, Dr. Asa, sk.
228
(men. 117,
148,
277
F. A.
271
Davis, Judge H. C., sk.
224
Denison, Adna C., sk.
212
men.
150
Arthur E., men.
216
sk.
398
Isaac A.
267
Deering, W. H., men.
216
Dinsmore, Ansel, sk.
253
Drake, Simeon, men.
237
Dr. F. E., men.
305
Sir Francis, men.
402
Dunham, Asa, sk.
43
A. M„ sk.
253
A. M., Jr., men.
■ 288
Drownings :
Dan’l Cary
42
Jabez Chubb,
72
Bradley Frost,
149
John Ames,
149
John O Hatch,
191
Mark Lamrock,
191
Edwin Judkins,
266
Arthur L. Hutchins,
268
Gerald Thompson,
271
F. Young et als,
274
Early set’s., moral worth noted 64, 65
Eastman, Job, sk.
46
R. H., men.
299
Elm House, men.
180,
274
Epidemics, noted.
75,
147
153, 189,
195,
275
Evans, Wm. A., men.
107
Geo. F., men.
216
Warren R,, men.
216
Dr. C. E., sk.
231
Everett, Peter, sk.
39
men.
455
Farm for poor bo’t.
149
Farrar, Luther, sk. >
219
Fatal injuries noted :
Page
Nathan Noble 36
Wm. Stevens 70
A. Bennett 71
Lemuel Shedd 73
Betsey Gammon 74
Wm. Pierce 146
Levi Frank . 147
David Whitcomb 148
Joseph York, Jr. 152
Cyrus Cobb 152
Dan’l H. Witt 154
Melvin E. Howe 193
Geo. P. Young 195
Wm. A. Rich 196
Geo. Sylvester 196
Geo. E. Blake 197
Geo. I. Cummings 273
Fernald, Hon. B. M., elec Gov. 268
Fires, noted 73, 75, 147
149, 150, 189, 190, 193
(gt.) 73, 153, 198
First ettlers, noted
Rust Tract, 1787, Jos. Stevens SO
Cum. Tract, 1787, Jere Hobbs 31
Wat’f’d Tract, 1788, Lemuel
Shedd and J. Stickney 57
Lee’s Grant, 1791, Wm. Gardner 51
P. Gore, 1797, John Greeley 59
Flint, Benj., sk. 57
Foster. Nathan, sk. 45
Dr. Winnie — 216
Henry B. 287
Foye, Wm., men. 168
Free mail del. est. 275
French, Dr. J. S„ sk. 227
Dr A. N„ sk. 232
John A., sk. 255, 413
Wm P., sk. 255, 415
Arthur F. 145
Augusta H., 267
Freshets noted, 158, 199
200, 204, 274
Frost, Jacob, story of 81
David, sk. 59
Robert, sk. 60
William, sk. 60
Enoch, sk. 61
“King” David, men. 255
sk. 417
Wm. 3d, men. 168
Fuller, Benj., sk. 48
Gammon, Joseph, sk. 82
Story of 82
Moses, sk. 60
Gallison, Joseph, men. 69
Jeff C. 151, 177, 181, 216
Gardner, Wm., men. 51
HISTORY OF
NORWAY
579
Page
Page
Columbia, sk.
423
Lapham, Dr. Wm. B., sk
208
Gertrude O., sk.
145
Lasselle, Elizabeth O., sk.
145
George, Dr. W. C, sk.
231
Latham, A. A., men.
164
Gibson, Geo. E., sk.
255, 426
Lessley, Geo., sk.
27
J. Frank, sk.
426, 216
Lightning noted 68, 147,
205, 268
Fred H„ sk.
426, 216
Liquor meas. voted on 155,
157, 270
Abb E., men.
188, 426
Little, Edward, sk.
208
Gorham, David, sk.
41
Longley, Eli, sk.
459
Grange Hall built
269
Lovejoy,. Asa, sk.
57
Greeley, John, sk.
59
Isaac
85
Greenleaf, Stephen, sk.
79
Main St. paved
277
Hatch, J. Lewis, men.
216
Mclntire, Hon. B. G., sk.
465
sk.
430
men. 216, 275,
276, 277
Olive C., sk.
430
Hon, L. E., sk.
465
Hawkins, D. A., men.
216
men.
216
Hayden, Alma P., sk.
247
Merriam, Silas, sk.
47
Clara A.
269, 277
Merrill, Enoch
85
Henley, John, sk.
47
C. H., men.
285
Herring, Benj., sk.
32
Miller, Rev. C. G., sk.
125
Higgins, Thos., 6k.
250
Millerites, men.
150
Hills, V. W. 267,
273, 439
Millett, Col. John, sk.
36
Warren, sk.
440
Nath’l., sk.
42
History of Norway, pub.
Solomon, sk.
42
(1)
154
Maj. H. W„ sk.
212
(2)
191
men.
161, 248
Hobbs, Jere, sk.
27
Sol. I., sk.
252
’ Amos, sk.
27
Dea. N. W., sk.
252
Robinson
442
Rob’t N., men.
216
Capt. Wellington
101
Dr. Jona. S., sk.
228
Capt. I. Frank
100
“Bill,’’ men.
175, 252
Holmes, Jas. S., men.
444
Col. Geo. W.
175, 236
Holt, Darius, sk.
45
Ralph O., men.
285
Uriah H., sk.
71
Millner, Rev. Reuben, sk.
131
Chas. E., ek.
222
Mills, Rev. C. L., sk.
129
Hooper, Rev W. W., sk.
124
Mixer, Lee, men.
250, 262
Howe, Dr. Jesse, sk.
231
Monuments, ded.
155, 279
Freeland, dea. of
271
Morse, E. A., sk.
253
Frank H., men.
216
Mt. Washington, men.
200, 272
Izah T., men.
188
Murray, Gen. Benj. B.
216
Ice left lake, noted
203, 269
Rev. B. B, sk.
121
Ind. Day cel.
158
Needham, Lt. S. H., sk.
475
“Italian War,’’ men.
201
Nevers, A. J.
188, 476
Jewett, Dr. Wm. H., sk.
231
Dr. Harry
216, 476
Jones, Judge Wm. F, sk.
224
Noble, Nathan, sk.
36
Appt’d J udge
267
Norway, town incp’d.
67
men.
296
Origin of name
67
Otis N, men.
198
Miles of roads
268
Josselyn, Sir John, men.
451
Mun. Court est’d
190
Judkins, John P., men.
188, 264
Sum. of cases in 1st 10
yrs. 198
Kerwin, Dora, men.
216
St. Ry. built
199
Kimball, Han. I., men.
216
Branch R. R. built
189
A. S„ sk.
222
Water Works laid
191
Knight, Daniel, sk
51
Pen picture of
80-248
Mur. case men.
205
Noyes, Ward
68-74
Frank P., sk.
433
David, sk.
213
Lake carnival
197
Col. Amos F.
94
cottages
268
Story told by
95
580
HISTORY OF NORWAY
Page
Page
Civ. War serv.
100, 105
Russell, Herbert L.
216
Frank H., men.
296
Rust, Capt.
Henry, sk.
207
Robert
176, 248
tract pur.
26
Old Ladies’ Home
265, 266
some sets. rel.
26
Outlet of lake a floatable stream 267
price of lots
28
Oxford Cent Elec. R. R., men.
201, 267
no int. in naming town 66
Patrons of Husbandry org’d
170
dea. noted
72
Parsons, Dea. Wm., sk.
26
Capt.
Joseph, men..
69
John, sk.
26
Elec Regr of Deeds
70
Moses, sk.
253
built grist mill at
the
Peables, Dr. A. M., sk.
231
Falls
69
Peace rejoicings noted 72,
157, 276
dea. noted
72
Pendexter, Hugh, sk.
245
Capt.
Henry Jr., men.
69
Perkins, Samuel, sk.
35
elec
Co. treas.
70
Perry, Zebedee, sk. 41 rep. to leg. and dea. noted 74
Fred H. 188, 264 Capt John, owner of the
Pests, noted
mills, dea. of
148
grasshoppers
68, 158
Capt. Henry ' 3d
elec co.
potato bugs
189
treas.
74
buffalo bugs
193
dea. noted
156
caterpillars
189
Gen Harry, mil.
serv.
99
brown tails
267
d. in ’81
499
Phenomena noted 70,
205, 267
Rustfield, survey
of
38
Pike, Dudley, sk.
32
Cem. est’*d
70
John, sk.
36
Ryerson, C. W., sk.
255
Dr. C. L., sk.
232
Sanderson, C. C., sk.
221
Dennis, sk.
491
men.
257
Pingree, Hoyt, men.
151
dea. of
267
in town meeting
151
Sanborn, Fred W., sk.
237
Luther F.:, men.
1216
Laura A.
237
Plymouth Rock, dis. of
406
W. L.
216
Pool, Joshua, sk.
54
Sav. Bank con of
203,
296
story of
55
Sawyer, Capt. J., sk.
59
Porter, Wm. H., men.
271, 275
mil. ser.
86
Post Office est’d
• 69
Seitz, Rev. J. A., sk.
124
riders, men.
187
Don C., sk.
245
carriers, men.
188
Est. Sch. prize award
205
masters, men.
188
Sem., Norway Female,
men.
151
rural routes est’d
264
Seavey, R. F., men.
183
'sav. bank est’d
270
Sel. ten of office of
276
Reed, Wm., sk.
77
Settlers, not squatters
23
letter to cl.
91
rec’d deeds
37
Rev. Sols, stories of
81
names of
(1790)
39
list of
83
prosperity
of
64
Law rel. to serv.
87
Shackley, Eben C., story of
250
mon. ded.
275
Shedd, Lemuel, sk.
57
R. R. built to So. Paris
153
Dr. G. H., men.
216
Reform Club org’d.
159
Ezra T.
216
Rich, J. G. sum. of wild beasts k. 266
Shurtleff, Simeon, sk.
44
Richardson, Thos. H., sk.
253
Small, M. H., men.
196
Rideout, Rev. B. S.
129
Smith, Joshua, sk.
41
Roberts, J. A., Appt’d
S S.’s N. Vill.
113
Agl. Com.
275
S. I., men.
216
dea. of
276
H. D., men.
292
Robberies noted 147,
157, 190
Fred E., men.
292
Rowe, Benj., sk.
42
Col. E. F., sk.
223
Rural free del., est’d.
264
Lavinia B., sk.
246
HISTORY OF
NORWAY
581
Page
Page
James, romance of
509
Elijah, sk.
218
Sam’l., men.
179
Henry, sk.
220
Spinney, Benj. F., sk.
' 208
Uriah H., sk.
255
Staples, Dr. Ivan W., sk.
234
Virgin, Judge Wm. Wirt, sk.
219
Stearns, S. S., sk.
222
mil. serv.
101
Col A. J., sk.
223
Harry Rust
218
Stiles, Capt. M. P.
274
Vincent, Hannah, men.
401
sk.
485
Vinson, Sarah, men.
484
Stinchfield, Jas., men.
24
“Ward, Artemus,” sk.
239
Stevens, Joseph, sk.
27
Waterford Three Tiers,
1st innkeeper
178
pub. lots on
56
Jonas, sk.
27
Waterhouse, G. G., men.
164
Joel, sk.
27
Water Works laid
191
Nath’l, sk.
33
Wentworth, Rev. B. C., 133,
270
Simon, sk.
256
Whitcomb, Wm H., sk.
215
Stephens, Dr. C. A., sk.
238
Whitehouse, F. C., men.
218
Mrs. M. Scalar
238
Capt. J., men.
265
Mrs Christine
238
Whitman, Levi, sk.
219
Stone, Sergt. W. H., men.
284
men, 71, 175,
248
Strange disappearance 72,
200
Verne M., 143, 218, 267,
, 269
Surplus distributed
148
Chas. F., sk.
221
Suit (W & A Water) dec.
264
Cem. in Weymouth
Survivors of Civil War, 1922,
277
des.
531
Swan, Helen S., men. 145,
, 188
Whitmarsh, Eben’r, sk.
42
Teachers granted State Certs.
204
Capt. W. W.,
181
Spec men.
145
dea. noted
276
Tenney, Rev. T. J., diary of
311
Whitney, Phinehas, sk.
67
Rev. C. R., D.D.
218
at Bunker Hill
82
Thompson, Dr. A., sk.
213
dea. of
147
dea. of
277
Wilkins, Aaron, sk.
47
Frank E.
217
Wilson, H. E., men.
205
mausoleum
205
Wireless Sta. ins.
273
Tilton, Dr. F. H., sk.
232
Witchcraft, story of
362
True, Otis, sk.
181
Witt, Benj., sk.
36
Frank T., men.
217
Chas. T., men.
218
sk.
621
Woodman, David, sk.
43
Trufant, Dr. L. H., sk.
233
Jona., sk.
43
Tubbs, Jacob, sk.
49
John A., sk.
184
Tucker, Benj., sk.
79
Young, David, men.
69
romance of
79
Rodolphus, men.
252
Twitchell, Moses, sk.
39
Howard B., men.
302
Upton, Amos, sk.
45
Note. — Serious errors not corrected: Andover, Mass, for
“Andover, Maine,” page 45; then, for “there,” 28th line, page 49;
Part III, for “Part II,” page 81; 16 and 60, for “16 and 45,” law
relating to military service of Rev. Sols., page 87; Co. I for “Com¬
pany S,” page 105; Wilkesbarre, Pa., for “Wilkes Barre, Pa.,” page
125; 1856 for “1865,” 15th line, page 143; Afhol, Mass., for “Athol,
N. H.,” 6th line from bottom page 191; add Wm. A. Rich, after
“Alpine Street,” 2d line of Annals 1892, page 196; Aug. 18, 1897, for
“April 18, 1894” — sketch of Adna C. Denison, page 212; Walter F.
Tubbs, for “Walter L. Tubbs,” page 287; Vivian M. Akers, for
“Vivian W. Akers,” page 297; Louis J. Brooks, for “Louis J. Rooks,”
page 303; and L. G. Newcomb for “W. L. Newcomb,” pages 308-9.
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